At any given time of the day millions of germs (viruses and bacteria) are on our hands waging a battle against infection and disease transmission. On one side we have “normal flora”. These are the microscopic good guys who live on our skin. They are responsible for destroying the microscopic bad guys known as “pathogens”. Under normal circumstances we don’t even realize that this life and death struggle goes on constantly. But something happens to us during cold and flu season…we suddenly become overly germ-conscious. No one wants to get a cold or the flu, so worry often overrides common sense. Here are some interesting facts comparing good hand washing technique (using warm running water and soap) with commercial “instant” hand sanitizers.

Instant hand sanitizers kill germs and are effective in destroying most of the germs present on our hands. The disinfectant ingredient (often just alcohol) kills indiscriminately…including the good guys, the bad guys, and the innocent bystanders (harmless germs) who just live on our skin in peace.

Good hand washing technique involves the use of warm running water, ordinary soap (the liquid kind is best) and 10-15 seconds of scrubbing the fingers, hands, and wrists. Most germs are not killed but instead lose their grip on the skin and are washed away.

The active ingredient in most commercial hand sanitizers is alcohol, which can cause serious drying out of the skin if used too often. Dry skin can lead to tiny cracks and openings in the skin that reduce its effectiveness as a barrier to infection.

Regular hand washing reduces the number of bacteria on the skin. When a soap containing a moisturizer is used the skin remains a soft, pliable and intact barrier of protection.

Repeated use of antibacterial soaps or instant hand sanitizers will kill off the most sensitive germs while leaving behind an open field for stronger, more resistant germs to thrive. In other words, it is likely that over use of these products may contribute to the growth of stronger, anti-biotic resistant pathogens. Hand washing does not alter the genetic makeup of germs; it simply sends them down the drain.

Interestingly enough, scientific studies have not shown that instant hand sanitizers reduce the incidence of colds and flu. Even more interesting as popularity of these and other “antibacterial” products has increased, researchers have noted a troubling rise in the numbers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In other words, overuse of these products may increase the risk of exposure to more dangerous “superbugs” in your home and on your body.

With the discovery of the importance of good sanitation over 150 years ago, hand washing has been the primary factor in the reduction and control of infectious illness and disease. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that regular hand washing with ordinary soap and water is safe and effective. Instant hand sanitizers are great for picnics, camping and fishing trips, or in your car for travel emergencies, but for frequent, everyday use investing in a good moisturizing hand soap is a much wiser choice.

JLB/2004