Is hydroalcoholic gel dangerous for the hands?

The hydroalcoholic gel is the reference product to be used to disinfect hands after touching contaminated surfaces, and to avoid the transmission of diseases such as influenza where the gastroenteritis. In hospitals, caregivers are required to wash their hands with gel hydroalcoholic several dozen times a day.

The hydroalcoholic gel destroys the natural protective film of the skin

To be effective, the solution must contain at least 60% ofalcohol : it is he who kills microbes. The problem is that it destroys all bacteria, pathogens or not. However, our skin is covered with bacteria and mushrooms which constitute the skin microbiome which protects us from external aggressions (UV, pollution, evaporation …).

These commensal bacteria also protect us against colonization by pathogenic bacteria, and play a central role in the education of immune system in particular by promoting the production of cytokines during the attack of a pathogenic microbe. In addition, alcohol has a drying effect and alters the natural hydrolipidic film of the skin, making hands dry and more vulnerable to attack. Finally, the excessive use of hydroalcoholic gel is suspected of promoting theantimicrobial resistance.

Hydroalcoholic gel: how to use it well?

Should we therefore do without hydroalcoholic gel to wash our hands? TheWHO and theHandles in any case advise prefer soap when water is available, the latter being less aggressive for the skin. However, when you are traveling or you do not have time to wash your hands (an effective hand wash should last at least 20 to 30 seconds), the hydroalcoholic gel remains essential in situations with risk, as in epidemics. Here are some tips to limit the damage:

• when you are at health home, there is no point spreading hydroalcoholic solution all day long if you do not touch contaminated surfaces or people;
• prefer hydroalcoholic "sensitive skin" solutions with a sufficient concentration of emollient active ingredients (aloe vera, glycerin, jojoba or camelina vegetable oils, hydroxyurea …);
• hydrate abundantly hands with nourishing cream. During the night, you can apply it as a mask by spreading a thick layer of cream with cotton gloves over it, to allow the product to penetrate.