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Sanitisers can cause excessive dryness, irritation, cracking and sometimes conditions like eczema or dermatitis, which compromise the skin’s natural protective barrier.
While these sanitisers are highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, they also strip away the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its microbiome. (AI Generated Image)
The COVID-19 pandemic made hand sanitisers a daily essential. But did you know that their frequent use can have unintended effects on your skin? Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine specialist, said that overusing alcohol-based sanitisers can strip away your skin’s natural oils and even eliminate certain beneficial bacteria.
This, in turn, can cause excessive dryness, irritation, cracking and sometimes conditions like eczema or dermatitis, which compromise the skin’s natural protective barrier. Most hand sanitisers are alcohol-based, containing 60% to 70% ethanol or isopropyl.
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While these sanitisers are highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, they also strip away the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its microbiome, the community of beneficial bacteria that helps defend against harmful pathogens. Frequent use can reduce these good bacteria, leaving the skin more vulnerable to dryness, irritation and other problems.
“Frequent application of alcohol-based hand sanitisers can lead to conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and chronic dryness,” said Dr Kunal Sood. In any such condition, your skin loses the strength of its natural barrier and faces rising difficulties against harmful bacteria and viruses. Other potential risks of overusing hand sanitisers include skin sensitivity and being susceptible to allergic reactions. An overdried skin may also crack and bleed, creating openings for infections.
Dr Sood recommends using hand sanitiser only when soap and water aren’t available. He emphasises that the traditional soap-and-water method remains the most effective way to cleanse the skin, adding, “Washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds removes dirt, grease and microbes without causing as much damage to the skin. When available, opt for this approach to maintain both hygiene and skin health.”
About the Author
Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha…Read More
Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha… Read More
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