The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted to the general public the importance of rigorous hand washing and disinfection. However, there are so many disinfectant liquids out there that it’s not entirely clear what to look for when making a purchasing decision.
Types of disinfectants
Disinfectant liquids are distinguished primarily on the basis of the main active agent which determines the effectiveness of the preparation against a specific pathogen. The most common hand disinfectant contains alcohol. In the right concentration, it denatures proteins and thus combats bacteria, viruses and fungi. For this purpose, the following are used:
- ethanol,
- isopropyl alcohol, propan-2-ol, 2-propanol,
- N-propanol, 1-propanol or propan-1-ol.
The recommended minimum alcohol concentration in hand disinfectants is 60%, the optimum is 70% or more. It guarantees a broad spectrum of action and immediate results, while leaving a fairly acceptable smell.
Alcohol-free hand disinfectants usually contain substances such as benzalkonium chloride, triclosan or chlorhexidine gluconate. Stronger chemicals are used only for surface disinfection with the need to use protective gloves. However, most contemporary studies show that hand disinfection with alcohol-based agents is the better choice to combat the coronavirus.
Other criteria for choosing hand disinfectants
Even after narrowing down the choice to alcohol-based agents, the choice remains pretty big. The optimal hand disinfectant should therefore also meet consumer requirements such as:
- an easy-to-use consistency,
- a relatively pleasant smell,
- handy packaging for easy application,
- the content of additional active ingredients.
The latter mainly include substances which alleviate the irritating and drying effect of alcohol on the skin. These may include emollients or aloe vera extract.
How and when should hand disinfectants be used?
According to scientists, thorough hand washing with warm water and soap should always be the basis of hygiene (see instructions for hand washing and disinfection). Disinfectants are used in addition to washing or when there is no access to a bathroom.
Disinfectant should be applied in a thin layer all over the hands and fingers and rubbed in for about 20 seconds. The preparation should not be washed off or wiped with a tissue. It is also unacceptable to eat it or to touch the mouth, eyes or nose immediately after application.
A prerequisite for disinfectants to be sufficiently effective is that they be stored in a dry and relatively cool place. The use of preparations with an expired shelf life is also not recommended.
How can you prevent negative effects of hand disinfection?
Frequent hand disinfection is the basic form of protection against most common infections. Unfortunately, under conditions of increased viral threat, hand disinfection should be performed several times a day An unpleasant side effect may be drying and irritating of the skin as well as burning, peeling or even cracking.
To protect against such consequences, it is worth taking care of the lipid coat of the skin, which is a natural defence barrier. For this purpose, we use hand creams containing emollients that retain moisture deep in the tissue and prevent dryness and irritation. Urea, unsaturated fatty acids or soothing substances such as allantoin are also beneficial ingredients for the hands and minimise the effects of disinfection.
Always carry a hand disinfectant with you
It is difficult to foresee all of the circumstances when there is an urgent need to disinfect your hands. When you are away from home, with no access to a tap or soap, disinfectant liquids allow you to prepare for a meal or direct contact with another person. Compact, handy containers are therefore always worth carrying in your handbag, school rucksack or even in your jacket pocket.
It is especially useful to instil in children, who tend to be in larger groups, the habit of disinfecting their hands after every visit to a shop, public toilet or means of transport. This simple habit will help reduce the frequency of seasonal infections!
PCC Group’s disinfectant range
The PCC Group offers a wide range of high-quality disinfectants. These include hand disinfectants, but also gels and surface disinfectants. Due to the carefully selected compositions of the ingredients, they ensure high effectiveness. Some of the products we recommend are: ROKO® PROFESSIONAL ANTI-VIRUS ALOE liquid for hygienic disinfection of hands, surfaces and equipment, ROKO® PROFESSIONAL ANTI-VIRUS+ liquid for disinfection of hands and surfaces and ROKO® PROFESSIONAL HAND CARE Washing and disinfecting liquid.
We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the full range of disinfectants available on the PCC Group Product Portal.