As we know, hand sanitiser is one of the survival kits during the COVID-19 situation. We are all using hand sanitiser much more than ever before since COVID-19. Hand sanitiser becomes essential for us as an alternative to washing our hand using soap and water; it also helps prevent viruses’ spread. We always carry a small bottle with us when we are on the go.
Nowadays, hand sanitiser available in spray, foams and gels. Hand sanitiser often has a form of alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol, as an active ingredient and work as an antiseptic. But did you know that there are side effects of using alcohol-based hand sanitiser? Let us tell you some unpleasant side effects of using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
ALCOHOL POISONING
The most hand sanitisers have alcohol as an antimicrobial and active ingredient to kill bacteria. But just because it does not contain triclosan disinfectants does not mean it is entirely safe. Though the quantities of alcohol in hand sanitiser are fixed, it can still cause a high alcohol poisoning percentage. Many experts believe that a few drops of hand sanitiser are equal to a couple of alcohol shots. By seeing this fact, this can be dangerous, especially for kids.
SKIN PROBLEM
Most common ingredients that can be found in alcohol-based hand sanitisers are isopropyl, ethanol, and n-propanol. These types of alcohol can cause unwanted problems for our skin. It can trigger an allergic reaction to your skin. It also can lead to dry skin, and dehydration can cause callus formation, cracked skin that can cause bleed, and infection. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser can increase the risk of hand dermatitis or eczema because of the acid present in it.
WEAKER IMMUNE SYSTEM
Our immune system works to fight diseases automatically. It reacts actively against diseases when disease-causing bacteria or viruses attack our body. In an ideal environment, the immune system finds no harmful entity to work against. Studies show that if a human is exposed to clean conditions early on in life, it contributes more vulnerable defence by the immune system at the later stage. It showed that a higher level of triclosan in children led to hay fever and allergy.