Quickly Drying Hands Post Alcohol-Based Decontamination

Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) are a convenient way to disinfect your hands when you're on the go or travelling. They are also necessary for health workers. However, it's important to note that hand sanitizers don't kill all germs and are ineffective against some common bugs. To use an ABHR effectively, you should rub your hands together until they are completely dry, which usually takes 20 to 30 seconds. This ensures that the alcohol has enough contact time to eliminate germs.

Rub hands together for 20-30 seconds

To effectively use an alcohol-based hand rub, you should rub your hands together for 20 to 30 seconds until they are completely dry. This ensures the alcohol has sufficient contact time to eliminate germs and bacteria on your hands. The goal is to ensure that the alcohol effectively kills the germs and bacteria on your hands.

The recommended practice is to continue rubbing your hands together until they are fully dry. This typically takes about 20 to 30 seconds, depending on the amount of product used and the friction applied while rubbing. The key is to focus on the tactile feedback of your hands becoming dry, rather than singing 'Happy Birthday' as a guideline.

It is important to rub your hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers, including the palms, fingertips, between the fingers, and around the base of the thumbs. Do not wipe off the sanitizer; let it dry on your hands.

Hand sanitizer is a practical alternative to soap and water when hands are not visibly soiled. However, it is important to note that hand sanitizer does not kill all germs, and proper hand hygiene with soap and water is vital to prevent the spread of illnesses.

Use hand sanitiser in a well-ventilated area

Using hand sanitiser in a well-ventilated area is important for several reasons. Firstly, the vapours from alcohol-based hand sanitisers can cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, especially in enclosed spaces or areas with poor air circulation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received an increasing number of reports of these side effects since the COVID-19 pandemic, with some cases requiring medical treatment. Therefore, it is recommended to use hand sanitiser in a well-ventilated area to reduce the concentration of vapours and minimise the risk of adverse effects.

Secondly, hand sanitiser should be used in a well-ventilated area to ensure effective drying. After applying hand sanitiser, it is crucial to continue rubbing your hands together until they are completely dry, which typically takes around 20 to 30 seconds. This ensures that the alcohol has sufficient contact time to eliminate germs effectively. Rubbing your hands together also helps generate friction, which is essential for proper hand hygiene. However, if you are in an enclosed area, such as a car, opening a window or improving ventilation is advised until your hands are dry and the vapours have cleared.

Additionally, hand sanitiser should be used in a well-ventilated area to prevent fire hazards. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are flammable, and the vapours can ignite if exposed to heat, sparks, static electricity, or open flames. By using hand sanitiser in a well-ventilated area, you reduce the risk of vapour accumulation and potential fire hazards. This is especially important in areas where flammable materials or ignition sources are present.

Furthermore, hand sanitiser should be used in a well-ventilated area to prevent the spread of vapours to others nearby. In enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, the vapours from hand sanitiser can linger and potentially affect individuals in close proximity. This is particularly important in settings such as schools or healthcare facilities, where the spread of illnesses must be minimised. By using hand sanitiser in a well-ventilated area, you reduce the concentration of vapours and lower the risk of exposing others to potential side effects.

Lastly, hand sanitiser should be used in a well-ventilated area to prevent the contamination of surfaces. As the vapours from hand sanitiser disperse, they can settle on nearby surfaces, increasing the risk of contamination. In a well-ventilated area, the vapours are more likely to dissipate, reducing the chances of contaminating tables, countertops, or other surfaces that individuals may come into contact with. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritise using hand sanitiser in spaces with adequate ventilation to minimise the potential for surface contamination.

Wash hands before applying alcohol-based sanitiser

It is important to wash your hands before applying an alcohol-based sanitiser. Hand-washing is always preferable to using hand sanitiser, according to Dr Soniya Gandhi, associate chief medical officer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Soap and water are more effective at removing harmful chemicals, dirt, food residue, grease, and visible dirt or soil from your hands. Hand sanitisers are not effective at removing these substances.

Washing your hands with soap and water is also important after using the bathroom, before eating and preparing food, after handling rubbish, and after coughing or sneezing into your hands. If you frequently play sports, work outdoors, or handle food, you should always wash your hands immediately after these activities instead of using hand sanitiser.

Hand sanitisers are a convenient alternative to hand-washing when soap and water are not available, or when your hands are not visibly dirty. They are also useful for killing germs when you are on the go or travelling. However, it is important to note that hand sanitisers are not effective against all germs, and some bacteria, viruses and parasites are resistant to alcohol-based sanitisers.

To effectively use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, you should rub your hands together until they are completely dry. This typically takes about 20 to 30 seconds, depending on the amount of product used and the friction applied while rubbing. The goal is to ensure that the alcohol has enough contact time to eliminate germs and bacteria on your hands.

Avoid touching face with contaminated hands

To dry your hands after applying an alcohol-based decontaminant, it is important to rub your hands together until they are completely dry. This typically takes 20 to 30 seconds, ensuring the alcohol has enough contact time to eliminate germs and bacteria.

Avoid Touching Your Face With Contaminated Hands

Touching your face with contaminated hands is a habit that can transfer viruses and bacteria to your facial skin, mucous membranes, and other parts of your body. Here are some tips to avoid touching your face with contaminated hands:

• Be mindful of your hands' cleanliness: Before touching your face, ask yourself if your hands are clean. If you're unsure, it's best to avoid touching your face. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before touching your face.
• Break the habit: Most people touch their faces unconsciously throughout the day. Be mindful of your actions and try to break the habit of touching your face. Find alternative ways to relieve itching or resting your chin in your hands.
• Use a barrier: If you have wounds, warts, or bandages on your hands, create a barrier between your hands and face. Cover your hands with gloves or a clean cloth before touching your face.
• Practice good hand hygiene: Maintain clean hands by washing them regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after meals, after coughing or sneezing, and after using the bathroom. Keep your nails trimmed and clean to prevent the buildup of dirt and pathogens under long nails.
• Use tools to avoid face touching: Utilize technology to help you avoid touching your face. For example, the FaceGuard system uses deep learning to predict hand movements that lead to face touching and provides sensory feedback to stop the action.
• Protect vulnerable facial skin: Take extra care to protect vulnerable areas of your face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, which have mucous membranes that can be entry points for viruses and bacteria.

Wash hands with soap and water if visibly dirty

If your hands are visibly dirty, it is recommended to wash them with soap and water. Soap and water are more effective at removing germs and chemicals from your hands than hand sanitizers. This is because the surfactants in soap lift soil and microbes from the skin, and the friction created by lathering and scrubbing helps to dislodge dirt, grease, and microbes, including disease-causing germs.

To wash your hands effectively, first, wet your hands with clean water. Then, apply soap and lather your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. You can hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice as a timer. Finally, rinse your hands well under clean, running water and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or an air dryer.

Hand sanitizers are a convenient alternative to soap and water when your hands are not visibly soiled. However, they are not as effective at killing all types of germs, and some bacteria, viruses, and parasites are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. To maximize the effectiveness of hand sanitizers, choose a product with at least 60% alcohol and rub your hands together until they are completely dry, which typically takes about 20 to 30 seconds.

Frequently asked questions