Thanks to the effectiveness of sanitizers in matters Covid-19, they are now more popular than ever before.

Portable packages help eliminate viruses and bacteria on our hands as we go about our daily activities. Hand sanitizer is useful in combating the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Did you know that there are some side effects of using hand sanitizer though?

Here are all the potential health risks associated with use of this popular commodity.

Drying out the skin

The extent of the effects of any hand sanitizer is determined by its formula. Normally, the alcohol content exceeds 75 percent. While this is needed to kill harmful organisms instantly, other components within the formula have been found to lead to dry skin.

The skin loses its moisture the more times we apply hand sanitizer. At the end of the day, you might discover that your hands are flaky, dry and sensitive to touches.

Apart from making you uncomfortable, research shows that dry skin is more vulnerable to scooping up germs.

Can contribute to appearance of eczema

After the hand sanitizer has dried up, you may notice appearance of discolored or red, itchy spots.

If you have the eczema condition, the chemical components found in the hand sanitizer can worsen your symptoms.

Whether you use gel-based, liquid or foam based sanitizer, your eczema symptoms might increase after every use.

Can have an impact on hormones

Some hand sanitizers contain the triclosan chemical. According to a report released by the FDA, the purpose of triclosan is to eliminate bacteria, and may be included in our body wash and toothpaste.

However, long term exposure to the chemical may have an impact on the natural cycles of hormones in our bodies. Further, it may negatively affect fertility.

Needless to say, more research needs to be conducted to comprehensively understand the impact of triclosan on the human body. Currently, its use in many products has been banned.

Hand sanitizer may lead to resistance to antibiotics

A source trusted by the FDA discloses that overuse of triclosan may the reason behind a rise in bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics.

The study released in 2015 demonstrated how triclosan is the cause of antibiotic resistance. This paved way for more research to be conducted to understand the relationship between the chemical and human health.

Can lead to damaged vision and blindness if it lands on the eyes

It’s quite easy to touch your eyes after applying hand sanitizer. Though it occurs by accident, the high alcohol content can inflict chemical burns on the sensitive skin around the eyes.

The damage will gradually heal, but other symptoms may show up. These include:

• Pain
• Temporary blurred vision
• Redness

Conclusion

Dermatologists and other health practitioners recommend soap and water as the first choice of killing bacteria and viruses. Hand sanitizer should be used if one cannot access soap and water easily.

Hand sanitizers that have essential oils and Aloe Vera are good for the skin because they soothe and moisturize it.