Käsisuihkeitä

Käsisuihkeitä, often translated as hand sanitizers or hand sanitising gels, are products designed to disinfect hands, primarily by killing germs and bacteria. They typically contain alcohol as their active ingredient, usually ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, at a concentration of at least 60%. This high alcohol content is effective in denaturing proteins and disrupting the cell membranes of many microorganisms, thereby rendering them inactive.

The use of käsisuihkeitä gained significant public awareness and widespread adoption, particularly during global health crises. They are commonly used in situations where soap and water are not readily available for handwashing. This includes public transport, shopping centres, schools, and healthcare settings. The gels are applied to the hands and rubbed together until dry, a process that usually takes about 20 seconds.

While effective for reducing germ transmission, käsisuihkeitä are not a complete substitute for handwashing. Traditional soap and water washing is more effective at removing visible dirt, grime, and certain types of pathogens, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficile, which may not be fully inactivated by alcohol-based sanitizers. Additionally, prolonged or frequent use of some sanitizers can lead to skin dryness or irritation due to the alcohol content. For optimal hygiene, handwashing with soap and water is recommended whenever possible, with käsisuihkeitä serving as a convenient alternative when washing facilities are inaccessible.