Käsihuuhteiden

Käsihuuhteiden, commonly known as hand sanitizers or hand rubs, are a liquid, foam, or gel formulation that is used to disinfect hands to kill germs. They are primarily used when soap and water are not available. The active ingredients in most hand sanitizers are alcohols, such as ethanol or isopropanol, with concentrations typically ranging from 60% to 95%. These alcohols work by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids in the cell membranes of microorganisms, thereby inactivating them.

The effectiveness of hand sanitizers against a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, they are not effective against all types of germs, such as norovirus or Clostridium difficile. Hand sanitizers can also be less effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, in which case washing with soap and water is recommended.

The use of hand sanitizers has become widespread, particularly in healthcare settings, public places, and schools, to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases. They are convenient and quick to use, offering a viable alternative to hand washing when soap and water are inaccessible. However, overuse or improper use, such as ingestion or application to broken skin, can lead to adverse effects. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label and to use them appropriately.