5 Rules for Using Hand Sanitizer to Prevent Corona Virus Covid-19 According to BPOM RI

Kapanlagi.com - Hand sanitizer was once a scarce item. This hygiene product was highly sought after because it was said to replace handwashing with soap to prevent the transmission of the corona virus covid-19. However, it should be understood that there are actually rules for using hand sanitizer that must be followed.

Many people use hand sanitizer not only because it is effective, but also because it is practical. Its packaging makes it practical to use anywhere and anytime. However, it turns out that using hand sanitizer improperly can have a negative impact on skin health.

A while ago, the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM RI), through its official Instagram account, issued a recommendation regarding the rules for using hand sanitizer. There are several points explained in the recommendation for using hand sanitizer.

Here, Kapanlagi.com tries to summarize the recommendation for using hand sanitizer according to BPOM RI.

1. Not More Effective than Washing Hands with Soap

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Although believed to be able to kill the coronavirus covid-19, it turns out that WHO and the Ministry of Health still recommend washing hands with soap. Soap is considered more effective in killing the coronavirus covid-19. This is based on several reasons.

Here are the reasons why the use of hand sanitizer is not more effective than washing hands with soap.

1) Residues of bacteria and dead viruses still adhere to the hands. Because, as we know, the use of hand sanitizer is very different from soap. When washing hands with soap, there is a rinsing step with running water. This step serves to remove the residues. While in the use of hand sanitizer, there is no rinsing step.

2) Hand sanitizer has alcohol properties that easily evaporate, especially if placed outdoors or in high-temperature places. However, this evaporation process can affect the concentration of alcohol 70% in hand sanitizer. If that happens, it can render the hand sanitizer ineffective in killing bacteria and viruses. Certainly, this will be very detrimental.

2. Used for Invisible Dirty Hands

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The next rule for using hand sanitizer is related to how it is used on the hands. It turns out that hand sanitizer cannot be used on just any hands. This liquid or gel hand cleanser cannot be used on hands that are visibly dirty.

This is because hand sanitizer actually functions to make hands sterile from germs and viruses. Therefore, hand sanitizer is not suitable for hands that are too dirty, such as being covered in mud, oil, or other substances.

3. Maximum Use 5 Times in a Row

The next rule for using hand sanitizer is related to usage limitations. So it turns out that hand sanitizer cannot be used repeatedly too often. The use of hand sanitizer should be limited to a maximum of 5 times in a row.

If it has been used for the fifth time, it means that the hands must be washed with running water. This is to prevent the occurrence of antiseptic resistance. Because, if this happens, it can make bacteria, germs, and viruses that adhere to the hands more resistant.

4. Effectively Used at Certain Times

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So far, hand sanitizers have been believed to be able to replace hand washing with soap. Hand sanitizers can be used effectively at certain times, such as when far away from water and handwashing facilities or when traveling.

This means, as much as possible, use hand sanitizers enough when in both of these conditions. Outside of these conditions, it is advisable to wash hands properly with soap and running water. Besides being more effective in killing viruses, this also helps to avoid the occurrence of antiseptic resistance as explained in the previous point.

5. Handmade Hand Sanitizer Must Not Be Sold Without Permission

After hand sanitizer products became difficult to find in the market, WHO issued guidelines on how to make hand sanitizers. Based on these guidelines, the public can make hand sanitizers with ingredients that are mixed themselves.

Handmade hand sanitizers can be used with the same instructions as regular hand sanitizers. However, the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (BPOM RI) advises people who make hand sanitizers not to sell them freely without permission from the Ministry of Health.

Well, those are the 5 instructions for using hand sanitizers according to BPOM RI. So from now on, it is advisable to use hand sanitizers according to your needs. Pay attention to the above instructions for the sake of goodness and health.

(kpl/psp)