It is surprising how COVID-19 Pandemic has enlightened several people worldwide on the importance of personal hygiene and well-being. Though it had its cons, it came with its perks, especially reminding us of handwashing’s essentials – a primary health routine.
And everyone knows there’s an alternative to the use of soap and water, in situations where it lacks – the use of Palm+. Hand sanitizer has been around since the 1900s, but it got global recognition due to the novel coronavirus. And to date, the majority of people still do not know how to use it, when to use it, and the dos and don’ts of using hand sanitizer.
Here is a list of what not to do when using a hand sanitizer.
Don’t Eat Immediately.
Just like the use of soap and water, allow your hand sanitizer to dry for at least 20 minutes before you eat.
Don’t Touch the Hand Sanitizer Pump Again.
You do not want to get in contact with the germs when pressing the hand sanitizer, use your wrist and push a few drops enough to massage between your fingers, your palm, and the back of it. Although there are automatic hand sanitizers, you will go to places where you need to pump it.
Don’t Place it Near Children.
Many studies have found that inhalation of an excessive amount of alcohol can cause brain and lung damage. If your child inhales an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, he or she might be at risk of feeling drowsy. Especially the colored and sweet-smelling hand sanitizers might lure your child’s urge to try and have a taste. Hand sanitizers are at least 60% alcohol, by exposing your child to sanitizers, you could be indirectly endangering their health. Allow children to use hand sanitizers under adult guidance.
Don’t Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer.
U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated clearly that there are many risks involved in making home-made hand sanitizer; you should not be tempted to try because the outcome might be worse.
With COVID-19, FDA received reports from different homeowners about skin irritation and burns. To ensure you are not risking your life and those of your loved ones, do not make hand sanitizers; instead, use soap and water to wash your hands.
Don’t Use Hand Sanitizer on Greasy or Dirt Hands.
For any visible dirt, grease, or grime, use soap and water. A hand sanitizer should be used on dry hands without smut because it will not remove the oils or grime but makes things terrible. Sought to use soap and water to wash off the dirt for 20 seconds and dry your hands but do not use a hand sanitizer in such a situation.
Don’t Drink Hand Sanitizer.
As an adult, ensure you monitor your child when using hand sanitizers and always store them out of children’s reach. A lot of cases about children randomly ingesting hand sanitizers are familiar. To ensure your child and pets are safe, carefully store your hand sanitizers and safely discard the bottles once you have finished using them.
Don’t Use Your Hand Sanitizer Without Reading the Warning Part.
The United States Food and Drug Administration classifies hand sanitizers as drugs; over the counter remedies. It further insists that you read the warning signs. To ensure you are correctly using your alcohol-based hand sanitizer, you must read the instructions provided and follow the guidelines.
Don’t Use Your Hand Sanitizer Near Flames or Heat.
When using your hand sanitizer, ensure you are not near any source of heat or flame. Once you have the drops of hand sanitizer in your hands, smear it gently across your entire palm and let it dry for 20 seconds before igniting any flame or heating anything.
Don’t Allow Your Pets To Eat Hand Sanitizer.
If you notice your favorite pet has consumed hand sanitizer, you should immediately call a reliable pet doctor or your nearest pet center. It would help if you acted fast so that you can avoid dealing with more unexpected problems.
Don’t Use a Hand Sanitizer After Washing Your Hands with Soap and Water.
Using a hand sanitizer in place of soap and water is ineffective; if you have access to soap and water, make it your first solution to remove dirt and kill germs.
Don’t Overuse Your Hand Sanitizer.
If you wash your hands and do not touch any surface or anything, do not use a hand sanitizer. Only use your hand sanitizer when you need it the most and in the right amount.