Hand sanitizers have become a vital part of our hygiene routines, especially during times of heightened concern about infectious diseases. Understanding how hand sanitizers work to kill viruses can help us use them more effectively and appreciate their role in maintaining health. This article delves into the science behind hand sanitizers and their effectiveness against viruses.
Composition of Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers are primarily composed of alcohol, water, and other ingredients that enhance their effectiveness and user experience. The most common types of alcohol used are ethanol (ethyl alcohol), isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol), or a combination of both. To be effective, hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol.
Key Ingredients
Alcohol: The active ingredient responsible for killing germs. Ethanol and isopropanol are both effective in inactivating various microorganisms, including viruses.
Water: Helps in the application process and ensures the alcohol is diluted to a safe and effective concentration.
Humectants: Ingredients like glycerin to prevent the skin from drying out.
Fragrances and Colorants: Added to improve the sensory experience of using the product, though not essential for the sanitizer’s germ-killing function.
Mechanism of Action
Hand sanitizer kill viruses through a process known as denaturation. Alcohols are solvents that can disrupt the structure of proteins and lipids in microorganisms, leading to their inactivation.
Disrupting Viral Membranes
Many viruses, including coronaviruses and influenza viruses, have an outer lipid membrane. Alcohol can dissolve this lipid membrane, effectively disrupting the virus’s structure. Without an intact membrane, the virus cannot infect cells, rendering it inactive.
Denaturing Proteins
Alcohols also denature proteins, which are essential for the virus’s structure and function. By disrupting these proteins, the alcohol prevents the virus from attaching to and entering host cells. This dual action on both the lipid membrane and proteins makes alcohol-based sanitizers highly effective against a broad spectrum of viruses.
Read Also: What is Hand Sanitizer? Benefits and Types
Effectiveness Against Different Viruses
Hand sanitizers are effective against many types of viruses, but their efficacy can vary depending on the virus’s characteristics.
Enveloped Viruses
Enveloped viruses, such as the flu virus, coronaviruses, and herpes viruses, have a lipid envelope that is easily disrupted by alcohol. These viruses are particularly susceptible to alcohol-based sanitizers.
Non-Enveloped Viruses
Non-enveloped viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus, lack a lipid envelope and are more resistant to alcohol. While hand sanitizers can reduce the number of these viruses, they are less effective than against enveloped viruses. In such cases, thorough handwashing with soap and water is recommended.
Proper Use of Hand Sanitizer
For hand sanitizers to be effective, they must be used correctly. Here are the steps to ensure maximum effectiveness:
Apply the Right Amount: Use enough sanitizer to cover all surfaces of your hands. This usually means applying a dollop about the size of a quarter.
Rub Thoroughly: Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Continue Until Dry: Keep rubbing until your hands are completely dry. This should take around 20 seconds. Do not wipe or rinse your hands before the sanitizer has dried.
Read Also: How to Wash Your Hands Correctly
Limitations of Hand Sanitizer
While hand sanitizers are convenient and effective in many situations, they are not a complete substitute for handwashing with soap and water. Here are some limitations:
Not Effective on Soiled Hands: Hand sanitizers are less effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. In such cases, handwashing is necessary.
Chemical Residues: Some chemicals, such as pesticides and heavy metals, are not removed by hand sanitizers. Soap and water are required to wash away these substances.
Limited Spectrum: As mentioned earlier, hand sanitizers are less effective against certain non-enveloped viruses and other tough pathogens like bacterial spores.
Conclusion
Hand sanitizers work by disrupting the lipid membranes and denaturing the proteins of viruses, rendering them inactive. They are highly effective against a broad range of enveloped viruses and provide a convenient means of maintaining hand hygiene, especially when soap and water are not readily available. However, it’s essential to use them correctly and recognize their limitations. By incorporating hand sanitizers into our hygiene routines, alongside regular handwashing, we can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
