Hand sanitizers are a convenient alternative when handwashing with soap and water isn’t possible.
By U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The potentially high transmission of COVID-19 has heightened people’s awareness about its contagion. To slow the spread, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that consumers use alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
The alcohol in hand sanitizer works best when you rub hand sanitizer all over your hands, making sure to get between your fingers and on the back of your hands.
Do not wipe or rinse off the hand sanitizer before it is dry.
Do not use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy; wash your hands with soap and water instead.
Hand sanitizers are drugs
Hand sanitizers are regulated as over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If you use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, read and follow the Drug Facts label warnings section.
Always store hand sanitizer out of the reach of pets and children. Children should use it only with adult supervision. Young children, especially toddlers may be attracted by the pleasant smell or brightly colored bottles of hand sanitizer. Drinking even a small amount of hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning in children.
Don’t make your own hand sanitizer
The FDA doesn’t recommend that consumers make their own hand sanitizer. If made incorrectly, hand sanitizer can be ineffective – or worse. There have been reports of skin burns from homemade hand sanitizer.
You can protect yourself and your family from coronavirus with simple hygiene. Call your doctor if you experience a serious reaction to hand sanitizer.
For more information visit: www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch
