Isla Bennett
Hand sanitizers have become increasingly popular due to their effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are known to kill germs and slow the spread of transmissible diseases. However, excessive use of hand sanitizers, especially those containing high amounts of alcohol, can lead to dry, cracked skin and even increase the chances of bacterial infections. This has led to concerns about the impact of hand sanitizers on nail health and whether they can affect nail growth. While there is no direct evidence linking hand sanitizers to nail growth, it is important to consider their drying effects and take appropriate measures to maintain nail and skin health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness in killing germs | High |
| Side effects | Dry, cracked skin, redness or discolouration, flaking, increased eczema symptoms, chemical burns if it gets into the eyes |
| Safety | Unsafe for human consumption, keep out of reach of children |
| Alcohol content | Typically between 60% and 95% |
| Alternatives | Washing hands with soap and water, non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers |
| Mitigating side effects | Use moisturizer after sanitizing, use hydrating hand sanitizers with ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera gel, or essential oils |
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What You'll Learn
Hand sanitiser can dry out your nails
Hand sanitiser is a convenient way to keep your hands clean and free of germs when you are on the go. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential drying effects of hand sanitiser on your skin and nails.
Hand sanitisers often contain high amounts of alcohol, which is an effective antiseptic for killing bacteria and viruses. However, alcohol can also strip your skin and nails of their natural oils, leaving them feeling dry and flaky. This can be especially true if you are using hand sanitiser multiple times a day. The more you use it, the more moisture is removed from your skin and nails, leading to increased dryness and sensitivity.
In addition to the drying effects of alcohol, the very act of sanitising your hands can also contribute to nail dryness. When you rub your hands together to apply the sanitiser, you may inadvertently forget to avoid your nails. This can cause your nails to become dry and brittle over time, as the sanitiser solution can be very harsh on the delicate nail surface.
To counteract the drying effects of hand sanitiser, it is important to moisturise your hands and nails regularly. Applying a hand cream or ointment that is rich in oils will help to restore hydration and protect your skin and nail barrier. Look for products containing ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera gel, or essential oils, as these will help to seal in moisture.
While hand sanitiser can be useful in certain situations, it is generally recommended to wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible. This will ensure that your hands and nails are thoroughly cleaned, without the risk of over-drying.
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Moisturising your hands and nails after sanitising
While hand sanitiser is great for keeping your hands germ-free, it can also dry out your skin and nails. This is because hand sanitiser often contains a high amount of alcohol, an effective antiseptic that kills bacteria and viruses. However, alcohol also has a drying effect on the skin. As a result, your skin may become dry, flaky, and sensitive to the touch. Dry skin can also increase your chances of picking up germs, as cracked skin can act as an entry point for bacteria.
Therefore, it is important to moisturise your hands and nails after using hand sanitiser. To restore hydration, apply a hand ointment or hand cream, which has a higher concentration of oil than a regular lotion. You can also use a hand sanitiser that contains moisture-retaining humectants such as glycerin, aloe vera gel, or essential oils.
If you are using hand sanitiser more than 10 times a day, be sure to use a high-quality hand moisturiser at least once a day. Apply the moisturiser while your hands are still damp to seal in moisture and protect your skin barrier.
In addition to using a moisturiser, you can try other methods to keep your hands and nails healthy. For example, you can coat your hands and nails with Bag Balm and wear cotton gloves to bed, allowing your hands to start the day well-moisturised.
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![McKesson Hand Sanitizer with Aloe, 18 oz Pump Bottle [Pack of 2] – 70% Ethyl Alcohol, Spring Water Scent, No-Rinse Gel with Vitamin E and Moisturizers, Medical-Grade Sanitizer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71HhMdCiB3L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Non-alcohol-based hand sanitiser
While hand sanitiser does not directly make your nails grow, it can have an impact on nail health. Hand sanitisers can either be alcohol-based (ethanol or isopropanol) or non-alcohol-based (benzalkonium chloride). Non-alcohol-based hand sanitisers are a great alternative for those who experience skin irritation from alcohol-based sanitisers. Alcohol-based sanitisers can irritate the skin and strip away natural, protective oils needed for healthy skin.
In terms of effectiveness, non-alcohol-based hand sanitisers can be just as powerful, killing 99.99% of most common germs in 15 seconds. They are also more economical and tend to be preferred by users due to their foaming texture, which provides better coverage.
However, it is important to note that non-alcohol-based hand sanitisers may not work as well against certain types of germs compared to alcohol-based sanitisers. According to the CDC, alcohol-based hand sanitisers should contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol to effectively kill disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to wash your hands with liquid soap and warm running water, followed by the application of hand sanitiser. This ensures the removal of dirt, grease, and debris, while the hand sanitiser adds an extra layer of protection. Remember to also keep your nails and hands moisturised to prevent dryness and maintain nail strength.
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Washing hands with soap and water
While hand sanitizers are useful for killing germs, they do not replace handwashing with soap and water. Handwashing is recommended by doctors as it is a simple and effective way to get rid of germs and prevent infections. Hand sanitizers cannot remove dirt, grease, or debris from the skin and nails, whereas soap and water can.
To wash your hands effectively, use liquid soap and warm or cold running water. Set a timer for 20 seconds, or sing "Happy Birthday" twice, and scrub your hands clean. Make sure to wash your hands for the full 20 seconds, as this is the recommended time to ensure proper hand hygiene.
Hand sanitizers can be useful when you do not have access to a sink, but they should not be considered a replacement for handwashing. They can also be used as an additional measure of protection after washing your hands. However, it is important to note that overuse of hand sanitizer can lead to dry, cracked skin, redness, and flaking. This is because hand sanitizers often contain high amounts of alcohol, which has a drying effect on the skin.
If you use hand sanitizer frequently, it is important to moisturize your hands and nails to prevent dryness and protect your skin barrier. Consider using a hand ointment or cream, which has a higher concentration of oil and is more effective at restoring moisture than a regular lotion.
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Side effects of hand sanitiser
While hand sanitiser is an effective way to kill bacteria and viruses, it can also have some negative side effects. The most common issue is dry skin, which can result from the sanitiser taking moisture out of the skin. This can cause discomfort and increase the chances of picking up germs. Dry skin can also lead to cracked skin, which serves as a gateway for bacteria to enter the body. To combat this, it is recommended to use hand moisturiser at least once a day, especially after washing hands with liquid soap and warm water.
Hand sanitiser can also cause redness or discolouration of the skin, as well as flaking. For those with eczema, the chemicals in hand sanitiser can worsen symptoms, leading to itchy and red or discoloured eczema patches. Additionally, hand sanitiser should be used only for external purposes as it can pose a risk if ingested or if it comes into contact with the eyes. Ingesting hand sanitiser can lead to symptoms similar to alcohol poisoning, while the high levels of alcohol in hand sanitiser can cause chemical burns on the eyes.
Some individuals may also have allergies to hand sanitisers, although it is unclear whether this is due to the alcohol content or other ingredients. It is important to read ingredient labels and follow the recommended usage instructions on the product label to minimise the risk of side effects. Hand sanitiser should not be considered a replacement for handwashing but rather an additional measure of protection.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no evidence that hand sanitizer makes nails grow.
Hand sanitizer is an effective way to kill bacteria and viruses on your hands and slow the spread of diseases.
Hand sanitizer can cause dry, cracked skin, which may increase the risk of picking up germs. It can also irritate the eyes and cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with them.
To reduce the negative effects of hand sanitizer, it is recommended to use hand sanitizer in moderation, moisturize regularly, and wash hands with soap and water when possible.
Yes, washing hands with soap and water is an effective way to remove germs and maintain hand hygiene. It is recommended to wash hands for at least 20 seconds, using either warm or cold water.
