Effectiveness of Alcohol Vs. Soap in Hand Hygiene for Healthcare Workers

Hand sanitizers are popular and can be used safely for cleaning hands when there is no soap and running water available. Hand washing with soap and water is also an effective way of keeping the hands free of germs and communicable diseases.

Alcohol

• Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is a common household product. It is made when water and propene are mixed. Alcohol is relatively safe, when used properly. It is highly flammable near high temperatures, so it must be carefully stored. It is usually not toxic.

Hand Sanitizers

• Hand sanitizers come in the form of gels, foams and liquids. They contain at least 60 percent alcohol, and are advertised as being 99.99 percent effective. Hand sanitizers are waterless, so they can be applied even when you are not near a restroom. In health care settings, hand sanitizers are often seen on sinks, or even mounted on walls for quick use.

Harmful Effects of Sanitizers

• While hand sanitizers are usually safe, caution must be taken. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website, alcohol and its byproducts should not be used when eating, drinking, smoking or taking medication because it is not safe to consume. Alcohol products should also not be used when applying makeup because it easily gets into the mucus membranes of the mouth and eyes.

  The type of alcohol used in sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning in small children. It is rare, but health care workers dealing with children should take extra precautions. The hand sanitizer should be treated like a poison and placed out of reach. Some companies add fruit scents to their sanitizers to make them more kid-friendly, but these scents also entice children to eat the sanitizer or lick their hands. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in children are glassy eyes, unsteadiness when walking, confusion, nausea, vomiting or fatigue. If it is suspected that a child has alcohol poisoning, emergency care is necessary.

Soap

• Soap is a skin care item and comes in the forms of solid bars or liquid. It is made from water and vegetable or animal fat. Other things can be added, like oatmeal for removing dead skin, or fragrance to give the product a better scent. Soap is not waterless, so you have to be near a water source to wash it off. Hands-free soap dispensers are becoming popular. The dispensers sense when hands are underneath the pump and eject a small amount of soap. This eliminates having to touch the liquid soap dispenser, thereby avoiding potential germs and bacterial from dirty hands having come in contact with it, or the excess bacteria that can accumulate on bars.

Sanitizer vs. Soap

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, "It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds." The CDC reports that hand sanitizers are fine in an emergency, but it does not take the place of frequent hand washing.