Side Effects Of Using Hand Sanitizer

Ever since COVID-19 hit, hand sanitizer has become a daily essential overnight. Cars, desks, bags, doorways, gyms, restaurants, subways, metro stations, spa centers, shop counters, every place has a hand sanitizer installed. While the good old-fashioned soap and water do the job better, a hand sanitizer is convenient and fast.

But as it is said, ‘anything in excess is a poison.’ Overuse or improper use of hand sanitizer often comes with downsides. Relying on them too heavily can affect your skin and overall health. Let’s see how much sanitizer is fine, what the possible adverse reactions are, how to reduce the side effects, and when to actually make use of it.

How Much Sanitizer is too Much? 

We know using hand sanitizer can invite downsides. But how much is too much? How do you know when it's fine and when it’s not? Here are a few points to consider:

- Usage

When you use a sanitizer, don’t assume you need a handful of it. It is not water. In fact, 2-3 ml does the job just fine. Also, do not leave it be or rub it aggressively. Rub gently for 20–30 seconds.

- Necessity vs Habit

Use sanitizer when necessary, like after touching public surfaces. But don’t start using it by default every few minutes for no reason. If you’re sanitizing repeatedly without exposure to dirt or germs, that’s overuse.

- Reliability

Keeping a hand sanitizer handy is smart. But remember, it is not meant to replace soap and water. So, if you’re choosing it over washing your hands, you’re likely using too much. Do not use it when hands are visibly dirty, after using the washroom, or before cooking or handling raw food.

- Signs you’re using too much

You know you’re using too much sanitizer when your hands are dry, rough, or have cracked without any particular change, when you feel a burning or itching sensation while applying alcohol, or when you’re applying it every few minutes without real exposure.

Side Effects of Using Hand Sanitizer

Frequent use of alcohol based sanitizers can disturb the skin’s protective barriers made up of natural oils, proteins, and healthy bacteria. While it is absorbed through the skin, it can cause more than just dryness. Here are the possible side effects of overusing hand sanitizer.

 - Dryness and Irritation

The most common and noticeable side effect of an alcohol sanitizer is skin dryness, irritation, flakiness, and cracking. The reason is that alcohol removes moisture from your skin during the process of evaporation. If your skin feels tight after using a sanitizer, that’s your cue. Not to forget, these cracks become the entry points for bacteria.

- Damaged Skin Barrier

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that protects it from external stimuli. Hand sanitizers can disrupt this protective layer by dehydrating it. This can cause stinging, uneven texture, itchiness, and over sensitivity.

- Dermatitis

Repeated exposure to harsh formulations can trigger contact dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, especially for people with sensitive skin. This can show up as redness, rashes, inflammation, or peeling skin. In this case, switching to a non-toxic sanitizer spray can make a noticeable difference.

- Disruption of Healthy Bacteria

Breaking the myth, there are good bacteria as well that defend against pathogens and prevent skin irritation. But overusing sanitizers kills them too. Eventually, this can reduce your skin’s natural immunity, increase the chances of infections, and leave your skin vulnerable.

- Chemical Reactions

Another reason to switch to a non-toxic sanitizer spray is that, unlike regular hand sanitizer, it does not consist of additional ingredients like synthetic fragrances or preservatives. Repeated exposure to these chemicals may cause allergic reactions, hormonal disruption, and antibiotic resistance.

- Respiratory and Sensory Irritation 

Most of the hand sanitizers have synthetic fragrances and alcohol vapors. Both of them can cause mild headaches, dizziness, and irritation in the nose or throat. People in a close environment and children are more prone to this risk.

- Reduced Effectiveness

Sanitizers are effective, but only under the right conditions. In fact, let’s just say they work best on relatively clean hands. So, relying solely on sanitizer can create a false sense of security and reduce its effectiveness on your skin. 

How to Reduce the Side Effects

In case you are already experiencing any of these side effects or simply need to reverse the process, try the following:

 - Moisturize Regularly

If you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often, moisturizing is essential. Apply a good moisturizing cream before bed, after sanitizing, or whenever your hands feel itchy. It will help restore your skin barrier.

- Switch to Better Formulations

Not all sanitizers are the same. Avoid products containing methanol, benzene, or less than 60% alcohol. Instead, choose the ones that include hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E. Even better, choose a non-alcoholic, HOCL-based sanitizer that kills germs without damaging the skin. 

- Don’t Replace it With Handwashing

Avoid using hand sanitizer when soap and water are available. Needless to say, washing hands is more effective. Plus, it does not bring along any side effects. 

- Use the Right Amount

You don’t need to drench your hands. A coin-sized amount is enough to cover all surfaces. Using more doesn’t make it more effective; it just increases exposure.

Prevention and Precautions

While using a hand sanitizer, take care of the following things:

• Don’t use it on cracked or irritated skin
• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and open wounds
• Avoid inhaling directly
• Do not use near fire or heat
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Do not wipe or rinse before it dries
• Keep rubbing until your hands are completely dry
• Don’t mix with other chemicals or products

When to Actually Use Hand Sanitizer?

Undoubtedly, overusing hand sanitizers has drawbacks. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid them altogether. The key is to use it in the right amount when necessary. Consider using hand sanitizer in the following or related settings:

• On the go or while traveling
• Before eating outdoors
• After touching public surfaces
• In hospitals or sensitive areas
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• Before and after visiting someone sick
• When soap and water aren’t practical 

Takeaway

Hand sanitizer is useful. But using them blindly is not the solution. With daily and repeated use, it can do more harm than good. So when you are using it the next time, ensure it’s a non-toxic hand sanitizer spray. Also, avoid using it out of habit and take proper care of your skin.