What happens if you digest i small amount of hand sanitizer?

Hand sanitizers typically contain a high concentration of alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, to kill germs and bacteria on the skin. While hand sanitizers are effective in reducing the spread of germs, ingesting even a small amount can have serious health consequences.

Here are some of the potential effects of digesting hand sanitizer:

1. Alcohol poisoning: The high alcohol content in hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning may include confusion, drowsiness, vomiting, seizures, and even death.

2. Stomach irritation: The alcohol in hand sanitizers can irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach, causing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

3. Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can cause increased urine output and dehydration. Ingesting hand sanitizer can lead to dehydration, especially in children and the elderly.

4. Eye damage: If hand sanitizer accidentally gets into the eyes, it can cause severe irritation, burning sensation, and even temporary blindness.

5. Alcohol dependence: Frequent or excessive ingestion of hand sanitizer can lead to alcohol dependence, resulting in physical and psychological problems.

6. Hand sanitizer poisoning in children: Children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of hand sanitizers due to their lower body weight and higher surface area-to-volume ratio. Ingesting even a small amount of hand sanitizer can be life-threatening for young children.

If you accidentally ingest hand sanitizer, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically advised by a doctor, as this can worsen the situation. Provide the healthcare professional with the product label or information about the type and amount of hand sanitizer ingested.

To avoid accidental ingestion of hand sanitizers, it is crucial to keep them out of reach of children and to use them only for their intended purpose. Proper hand hygiene involves washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in small amounts on the skin, not for ingestion.