Käsidesiin

Käsidesiin is a Finnish term referring to hand sanitizer. It is an antiseptic or disinfectant liquid, gel, or foam that is used to kill germs on the hands. Käsidesiin typically contains alcohol, usually ethanol or isopropanol, as the active ingredient. The alcohol works by denaturing proteins essential for microbial life, thus killing bacteria and viruses.

The use of käsidesiin became significantly more widespread and recognized globally with the COVID-19 pandemic, though it was already a common hygiene practice in many settings, especially healthcare environments. Its primary purpose is to provide a convenient and effective way to clean hands when soap and water are not readily available. Proper use involves applying a sufficient amount to the palm of one hand and rubbing the hands together, covering all surfaces, until they are dry.

While highly effective at reducing germ counts, käsidesiin is not a substitute for washing hands with soap and water. Soap and water are generally more effective at removing visible dirt, grime, and certain types of pathogens that may be resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. However, in situations where handwashing facilities are inaccessible, käsidesiin serves as a crucial tool for maintaining hand hygiene and reducing the transmission of infectious diseases. It is important to choose a käsidesiin with an alcohol concentration of at least 60% to ensure its efficacy.