University of Nottingham
Question
Asked 17th Jan, 2021
Does use of hand sanitizer negatively impact the skin microbiome?
Hello,
Most hand sanitizers contain 60-80% alcohol. Alcohol destroys organisms including bacteria, fungi, protists, and enveloped viruses by breaking down the plasma membrane. In recent years, microbial communities on the skin, in the airways, and in the gut have been shown to play an important role in health. Does daily use of hand sanitizer negatively impact the diversity and strength of the hand microbiome? If so, what are the implications of this to overall health? Do skin microbes play beneficial roles such as helping to prevent transmission of other pathogens?
Thank you.
Most recent answer
There is a lot of truth in what Traci Westerman and Robert Wolff say. Sanitisers under discussion rely on 60-70% alcohol. This has been shown in many pre-surgical skin preps to be a) superior to other antiseptics, and b) to kill only those bacteria on the skin surface, so the resident microbiome in the deeper layers is virtually untouched. Yes, soap and water are superior as it will remove dirt and secretions too, but for "out and about" hand sanitising, alcohol is best, preferably without all the fancy excipients that accumulate on the hands with frequent use. I use a clean handkerchief, soaked in 70% isopropanol, in a sealable plastic bag to clean my hands when shopping.
2 Recommendations
Popular answers (1)
Banaras Hindu University
Yes! Please see the link below.
9 Recommendations
All Answers (17)
At the time of saving you from the bacteria/virus, they work against the health-beneficial bacteria. Besides, you may have dry skin after using it. Some people find allergies in their bodies. Like, I face.
2 Recommendations
Physician; independent researcher / consultant - infectious disease specialist - editor
As a physician and former surgeon I have used hand sanitizers at least 200 - 300 times per week. Am still alive.
5 Recommendations
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
David Schad please review the following link which may be helpful in your search:
1 Recommendation
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
it may further highlight the findings and provide useful information.
1 Recommendation
South University
It is important to use terminology appropriately and consistently with agreed upon definitions. Traci is using 'hand sanitizers' in the manner that is most commonly used in recent years. Zorica uses the term disinfectants which are harsh chemicals that should only be used on inanimate objects. Antiseptics are the materials that should be used on the skin. These definitions may need to be updated and used consistently as there have been many changes in their use and in what is used that has created confusion.
2 Recommendations
University of Eldoret
From the discussion above, then we better use hand washing then instead of sanitizer?
1 Recommendation
South University
Kiprotich Kiptum .-. If water and soap are available, this is usually the better choice, and is the only real choice if your hands have any dirt or secretions (mucus) on them. Hand sanitizers should only be used on 'clean' hands that need some antisepsis to kill bacteria.
2 Recommendations
University of Eldoret
Dear Prof. Testerman, they I am afraid we shall spend all the money on sanitizer because we touch so many things within an hour if we are in a busy area. Moreover sanitizing every time will mean piling layers of sanitizers over germs every time. So the precaution is that before we touch our eyes, mouth, nose we should wash forcefully until it gets into our subconscious mind.
1 Recommendation
University of Nottingham
There is a lot of truth in what Traci Westerman and Robert Wolff say. Sanitisers under discussion rely on 60-70% alcohol. This has been shown in many pre-surgical skin preps to be a) superior to other antiseptics, and b) to kill only those bacteria on the skin surface, so the resident microbiome in the deeper layers is virtually untouched. Yes, soap and water are superior as it will remove dirt and secretions too, but for "out and about" hand sanitising, alcohol is best, preferably without all the fancy excipients that accumulate on the hands with frequent use. I use a clean handkerchief, soaked in 70% isopropanol, in a sealable plastic bag to clean my hands when shopping.
2 Recommendations
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