Is waterless hand sanitizer ok???

[CortLong]

DH shakes A LOT of hands at work- he meets with a lot of people. He doesn't have time to run to the bathroom in between each person just to wash his hands. I was thinking if he had some waterless hand sanitizer in his office that that might be a good alternative. Is this ok???? Is there something bad about hand sanitizer I don't know???

[liawbh]

I think he'd be better off washing his hands when he can, and getting in the habit of not touching his face.

I don't know about the exact ingredients, but Hand sanitizer is just one example of the antibacterial overkill in the US. It can contribute to the formation of resistent bacteria and also it kills off beneficial bacteria, too.

[EnviroBecca]

Most instant hand sanitizers are primarily rubbing alcohol; they don't contain triclosan or other dangerous chemicals. (Read labels.) I work for a medical center which recently did studies determining that instant hand sanitizer was more effective than washing hands in water and antibacterial soap. Sorry I don't have a reference.

In a public setting, I'd recommend it over going to the restroom to wash hands simply because getting back from the restroom involves touching door handles, etc., that everyone else touches. Keeping your hands away from your face as much as possible is also a good habit!

Mostly, try not to worry too much...exposure to small amounts of germs helps you build antibodies!

[annettemarie]

Someone makes a "natural" hand sanitizer, but I can't remember who.... I think it had maybe witch hazel and some essential oils?
Annette
PS- I never even knew this forum was here!

[AmandasMom]

I keep a small bottle in the car, I use it after I pump gas or if I have been using a shopping cart. I have dd use it after the playground also if she's been in a shopping cart.

[Galatea]

I never sanitize anything. My dad always said, "I am so healthy b/c I grew up in the ghetto and was exposed to every bug out there." I agree with this and think it is better for the immune system to get the bugs. That having been said, you don't want the cold germs. If it just has alcohol and not triclosan, like Becca said, then cool. If he can get over the gross sticky feeling it leaves behind.