Healthy hands: soap and sanitizer

From Mayo Clinic News Network

Mayo Clinic News Network

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frequent hand-washing is the No. 1 way to prevent the spread of infections. But what kind of soap is appropriate? And what about using hand sanitizers? Why not antibacterial soap?

“The simple answer is that plain soap and running water coupled with good technique are just as good against common childhood respiratory and stomach viruses and bacteria as antibacterial soap. Plain soap doesn’t induce the risk of creating resistant organisms, according to a recent review article published by Infectious Diseases Society of America,” says Dr. Peggy Decker, a Mayo Clinic Health System pediatrician.

Health care settings, such as hospitals and clinics, may have different recommendations. Comprehensive information is available from the CDC.

SAFETY OF HAND SANITIZERS

Because of the high alcohol content, there are several safety concerns with hand sanitizer. Kids shouldn’t use it unsupervised. Some experts recommend limiting how often young children use hand sanitizer, and it should not be used on children under 2 years of age. Alcohol is flammable, so sanitizer needs to be stored safely away from flames and heat sources. “Due to high alcohol content in hand sanitizer, alcohol poisoning and intoxication is possible if a large amount is absorbed by drinking, using on damaged skin or using on babies who don’t have a fully developed skin barrier. Because the alcohol concentration is high – more than hard liquor – and young kids have a low body weight, prevention of accidental or purposeful ingestion is important,” says Decker.

Despite the risks of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, children should avoid alcohol-free hand sanitizer due to concerns about resistant organisms with the antibacterial agents benzalkonium chloride and the possible toxic degradation products of triclosan.