käsidesiksi

Käsidesiksi is a Finnish term that translates to "hand disinfectant" or "hand sanitizer" in English. It refers to a liquid, gel, or foam product used to kill germs and bacteria on the hands in the absence of soap and water. These products typically contain alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropanol, as the primary active ingredient, which works by denaturing proteins and damaging cell membranes of microorganisms.

The use of käsidesiksi gained significant prominence during global health crises, such as pandemics, as a means of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. It is commonly found in public places like hospitals, schools, offices, and shopping centers, as well as being a personal item for many individuals. While effective in many situations, it is important to note that käsidesiksi is not a substitute for proper handwashing with soap and water, especially when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with certain types of germs.

The effectiveness of a käsidesiksi product is often indicated by its alcohol concentration, with products containing at least 60% alcohol generally recommended by health authorities. Application involves rubbing the product over all surfaces of the hands until they are dry. Overuse or reliance solely on hand sanitizer without adequate handwashing can sometimes lead to skin dryness or irritation.