Are sanitizers causing hand irritation? Here comes a solution

On a daily basis, we get exposed to a lot of germs. We come in contact with most of it through our hands. Earlier we mostly used soap and water to clean our hands. A very few people used sanitizers on a regular basis but since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic sanitizers have become an integral part of everyone's life. It is beneficial as it is convenient to use when there is no access to soap and water.

In this context, Fit Northeast had a conversation with a city-based dermatologist. We have come to know that many studies on children have shown that the use of sanitizer stops the spread of flu among them. The sanitizers which contain 60 to 90 per cent of alcohol are the best and those having more fragrance should be avoided. It is very necessary for a sanitizer to have antibacterial properties as the main purpose is to kill germs. To get the maximum benefits of the sanitizers it is extremely important to use it for 20 to 30 seconds. 

As we are aware of the fact that excess of everything is bad, the same goes with the use of sanitizers. The alcohol contains sanitizer and its excess use strips off the fat barrier on the skin and once this fat barrier tears, the skin starts losing water, leading to dehydration. If the condition of skin dehydration continues for a longer time, it might result in hand eczema. 

Most of the sanitizers available in the market have added components like Triclosan and some other, which are extremely harmful to us. If sanitizers are used more frequently, the Triclosan penetrates through the skin and is mixed with the blood. It is even harmful to the liver, lungs and heart.

Fit Northeast approached Mrs Chumi Sonowal, who is a beautician from Guwahati with more than 20 years of experience in the field of beauty and aesthetics to get some tips on how to keep the hands soft even after frequent use of sanitizers. Mrs Sonowal said that most of the ladies do all the household chores which involve the use of detergents etc which adds to the roughness of the hands. The PH value of the skin is 5.5 and it is always better to use mild soaps like baby soap, soaps having higher glycerin content like pears and dove. 

It is mostly advised to use soap and water as much as possible and stay away from sanitizers. Before going to sleep, it is first suggested to dip the hand in lukewarm water and then apply coconut oil or any good hand moisturizer, which will help the hand to heal and smoothen. If the sanitizers irritate the skin more a diaper rash cream can also work wonders.