Antibacterial hand gel - didn't know where to ask this

[Tickawicka]

As someone who used to have an OCD about germs and cleanliness, I have observed the invention and use of antibacterial hand gel with interest.

Presumably it works, which is why it is used in hospitals, which is mainly where I have used it.

But, here's the question, you are not in a hospital and you have two alternatives: washing your hands with soap, or putting the gel on, what's the best one?

And if you had a small - not-been-out-of-nappies-long - child who wanted to use gel rather than washing their hands, should you let them or should you get them to wash their hands?

Do you think that in the future no-one will wash their hands and we will all use gel instead?

Sorry for the funny question.

Plus i think (although again not sure!) that skin has it's own microbiological protection which is reduced by washing too too much...

Maybe it is the good bugs that donotannoy was talking about?

incidentally donotannoy I don't think that bugs can be absorbed through the skin like that - they normally need access by touching eg nose eyes mouth. Or if you have a cut or something they can get in that way. If you had germs on your hands and didn't touch anything and had no cuts you would be OK - I can't see that adding alcohol would make any difference. But I could be wrong too!!

Apologies if it's already been said; anti-bacterials are overused. They are a menace. They kill ALMOST everything, but the ones that survive are big mommas. Casual, daily anti-bacterials help build resistant strains. Soap, water and a thorough drying are all you need.

That was the message given by a HSE inspector recently (re penetration with alcohol...I was a bit surprised too TBH...).

Good bugs are protection - but TBH the physical barrier we know as the skin is actually part of the immune system. Wsahing too much can break down that barrier (and not necessarily in a visible manner) - and alcohols and harsh detergents accelerate that. Entry through the mucous membranes is certainly easier and the biggest risk.

And yes thorough and proper washing is required. As is thorough drying. Washing is only effective as long as it is done properly.

back in the dim distant past (about 6yrs ago) i was looking at some research for post-grad study and the primary research i found argued against the use of alcohol hand gel on a regular basis as it breaks down the skins natural barriers allowing infection to enter the body and if used enough, alcohol can enter the blood stream through dermal absorbtion. wonder if i would be over the limit to drive after a 12hr shift if i used the gel before and after every patient contact instead of soap & water

I have to use portaloos quite a lot and I despise those that just have an antibac spray in them. Much prefer the ones with soap and water. I mean what goods just an antibac spray/gel if youve just changed a tampon?. You really need to wash.