9 side effects of the use of hand disinfecting
They help you kill coronavirus, but they can also cause unwanted problems.
Handy details can increase your risk of eczema
To prevent the propagation of coronavirus, the CDC recommends washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if they are not available, using a hand disinfectant containing at least 60% alcohol. Following this opinion is essential, but "increased contact with irritants and allergens can increase the risk of hand dermatitis or" eczema ". This usually occurs on the skin with redness, drought, cracks and even bulbs that cause itching or pain "Caroline Nelson, M.D. A dermatologist and a Yale medicine instructor in Yale School of Medicine, saysEat this, not that! Health.
RX: "It is important not to excuse the disinfectant and moisturize each use," advises the dermatologist Peterson Pierre, Mr.D., of thePierre Skin Care Institute.
"The use of a moisturizer ideally containing mineral oil or petrolatum, can help prevent dermatitis by hand. Although the moisturizer must be applied immediately after washing hands, it is not The case when using a hand disinfectant. Individuals should rub his hands together for about 15-30 seconds covering all surfaces with hand disinfecting until the hands are dry, then apply a moisturizer Dr. Nelson said.
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Hand reminders can irritate your skin
"Hand disinfectants are antiseptic products - they are formulated to disinfect the skin," says Vanessa Thomas, a cosmetic chemist and founder ofIndependent formulations. "The main disinfecting ingredient in hand disinfecting formulas is ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, and are formulated with thickening softeners and sometimes perfumes to reduce the strong smell of alcohol. Frequent use can cause irritation from the skin or dry the skin. If you have sensitive skin, the effects can be worse. The drying is caused by alcohol. "
RX: "Wash hands with hot water and soap are the best way to kill germs, but there are times when you do not have access to a sink and soap," says Thomas. "If you can not reduce your hand disinfectant consumption, a good idea is to follow a follow-up with a moisturizing diet. Dry skin is caused by a lack of water content in the skin. A moisturizer with humectants and occlusive is the best. occlusive help create a film on the skin to hold moisture and moistening (hyaluronic acid is an example of a) help to attract water on the skin. "
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Some formulations can affect fertility
"Some hand disinfectants are composed of alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol, such as an active ingredient that works as antiseptic," says Dr. Chris Norris, a licensed physiotherapist and a neurologist and a clinical associate professor at the University of California, fromSrseststandards.com. "However, there are non-alcoholic hand disinfectants composed of an antibiotic compound called Triclosan or Triclocarban. Several searchesstudiesHave reported that Triclosan is a health hazard because its overuse has negative effects on fertility, fetal development and asthma levels "
RX:"It is always recommended to wash your hands with water and soap to completely eradicate germs. Use disinfectants only when water and soap are not available," says Dr. Norris. Avoid them with TiClosan or Triclocarban. For a complete list of dangerous hands disinfectants, the FDA recommends you never buy, gohere.
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Some could cause resistance to antibiotics
"Exposure to Triclosan increases the likelihood that bacteria develop antibiotic resistance," says Dr. Norris. Again, find one without Triclosan.
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Some can cause hormone problems
"According to the FDA, Triclosan present in a hand disinfectant also causes hormone problems. This causes bacteria to adapt to its antimicrobial properties, which creates more antibiotic strains," says Dr. Norris.
Some affect your immune system
"Triclosan also weakens human immune function. The weakened immune system makes people more susceptible to allergies," says Dr. Norris.
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Some may affect your body development
"A disinfering of the hands that has too much perfume could be in charge of toxic chemicals such as phthalates and parabens. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can affect the development and reproduction of the human body. Parabens are chemicals that Can negatively affect the operation of hormones, fertility, birth, and reproductive development, "says Dr. Norris.
RX: Find a phthalate hand sanitizer without paraben.
You can get a skin disorder
"The overuse of alcohol-based disinfectants with a safeguarding against germs and pathogens causing an infection could inversely increase the risk of infection with skin disorders. Overcoming can eliminate benign bacteria on the Skin that is not good, "says Dr. Norris.
RX: "Contrary to the disinfection of the hands, soap and water can actually eliminate dirt, dirt and eliminate pesticides and other chemical residues that arise on your hands," says Dr. Norris.
Hand reminders could lead to intoxication on alcohol
Like many disinfectants of the hand contain very high levels of alcohol, doctors testify cases of intoxication on alcohol when soaked. "Since disabled disintegratulations are readily available, there have been many cases on a global scale where adolescents have been hospitalized with alcohol poisoning against hand disinfecting consumption," says Dr. Norris.
RX: Do not drink! Keep it away from your children and educate your teens. Call 911 immediately if you swallow a hand disinfectant.
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Final thoughts of doctors
"Hand reminders are a good alternative to reduce potentially infectious microbial load, such as viruses, bacteria, mushrooms - on hands or skin, if soap and water are not immediately available", has Declared Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, certified by the Dermatologist Board in Beverly Hills, in private practiceSKINSAFE DERMATOLOGY. But remember: "They are not removed from the dirt / grime / physical mucus, so they are not intended for physicallywashing your hands,"
"Hand sanitizer is not as good as soap", warns Dr. Norris. "Relying on hand disinfectants to keep your hands clean may not be your best strategy." And pass through the healthiest life,Do not take this supplement, which can increase your risk of cancer.