Can I Use Lysol Wipes on My Hands? The Truth & Tips
Keeping ourselves and the surfaces we touch clean is of utmost importance, especially during these COVID times. And Lysol wipes have proved to be effective in killing 99.9% of germs, including viruses like COVID-19.
But can these wipes be used directly on our skin? Can we use them to clean our hands to keep ourselves safe from germs and bacteria? In this article, we will explore the truth behind using Lysol wipes on our hands and provide you with tips on how to clean your hands effectively.
The Truth Behind Using Lysol Wipes on Our Hands
Lysol wipes are primarily designed for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, and light switches, among others. They contain harsh chemicals such as benzalkonium chloride, which can irritate and damage the skin’s natural protective barrier, causing dryness, redness, and cracking.
Therefore, Lysol wipes are not recommended for cleaning our hands. If used, they can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term skin damage, leading to a higher risk of infection and bacterial growth.
What are the Dangers of Using Lysol Wipes on Our Hands?
Using Lysol wipes on our hands can cause several immediate and long-term health risks, such as:
1. Skin irritation: The harsh chemicals in Lysol wipes can cause skin irritation, redness, and itching, leading to discomfort and pain.
2. Allergic reactions: Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to the chemicals in Lysol wipes, which can cause severe skin rashes, hives, and even anaphylaxis in rare cases.
3. Damage to the skin’s natural protective barrier: Regular use of Lysol wipes on our skin can damage the skin’s natural protective barrier, leading to dryness, cracking, and peeling. This can make our skin more prone to infections, bacterial growth, and other skin disorders.
How to Clean Your Hands Effectively?
Hand hygiene is one of the most critical steps we can take to protect ourselves from germs, bacteria, and viruses. Here are some effective ways to clean your hands:
1. Wash Your Hands with Soap and Water
Washing your hands with soap and water is the most effective way to clean your hands. It can remove dirt, grime, and germs from your hands, reducing the risk of infection and bacterial growth. Here’s how to wash your hands effectively:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to clean all surfaces, including the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Rinse your hands under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel or let them air dry.
2. Use Hand Sanitizer
Using hand sanitizer is another effective way to clean your hands if soap and water are not available. Hand sanitizers contain 60% to 95% alcohol, which can kill most germs and viruses effectively. Here’s how to use hand sanitizer effectively:
- Apply a dime-sized amount of hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of your hands and fingers, until the hand sanitizer is dry.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth, or eyes until your hands are completely dry.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face
Our hands come in contact with numerous surfaces, making them a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. When we touch our face with dirty hands, we transfer these germs and bacteria to our face, increasing the risk of infection and illness.
Therefore, it’s essential to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands to reduce the risk of infection and illness.
Tips to Keep Your Hands Clean and Hygienic
Here are some tips to keep your hands clean and hygienic:
1. Wash Your Hands Frequently
Washing your hands frequently, especially before and after eating, after using the bathroom, after handling garbage, and after touching public surfaces, can prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
2. Carry Hand Sanitizer With You
Carrying hand sanitizer with you can help you clean your hands when soap and water are not available, reducing the risk of infection and illness.
3. Avoid Sharing Personal Items
Sharing personal items such as towels, combs, and utensils can transfer germs and bacteria from one person to another, increasing the risk of infection and illness.
4. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces Frequently
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces around you can reduce the risk of germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Conclusion
Using Lysol wipes on our hands is not recommended as they contain harsh chemicals that can irritate and damage our skin’s natural protective barrier, leading to long-term skin damage and a higher risk of infection and bacterial growth. Instead, washing our hands with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding touching our faces can effectively reduce the risk of germ transfer and infection.
FAQs
- Q. Can I use Lysol wipes on my hands if I’m in a public place without soap and water?
- A. No, using Lysol wipes on your hands is not recommended as they contain harsh chemicals that can irritate and damage your skin. Use hand sanitizer instead, which is designed for use on the skin and contains 60% to 95% alcohol.
- Q. Can using Lysol wipes on my hands cause skin irritation?
- A. Yes, using Lysol wipes on your hands can cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness due to the harsh chemicals they contain. It’s best to avoid using them directly on your skin.
- Q. How should I clean my hands to prevent the spread of germs?
- A. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your face, and clean and disinfect surfaces frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-hand-sanitizer.html
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/qa-consumers-hand-sanitizers-and-covid-19
- https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/fact-check-no-using-lysol-may-not-be-a-solution-for-protecting-against-covid-19-120032300659_1.html