On reporting the first COVID-19 case in Kenya, product priorities changed as Kenyans flocked supermarkets and cleared shelves off sanitizers and detergents, what Kenyans did not know was that sanitizers should never replace the purpose of soap and water.
Two months down the line, the market is flooded with the products that Kenyans were hoarding. Most companies have moved into the production of hand sanitizer leading to blacklisting of some brands by Kenyan authority KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards)
The cost of sanitizer is high and unattainable by many Kenyans to water even in the low-income area. However, what are the dark side of using hand sanitizers over water and soap
Eczema prone
The world and Kenya included are in the frontline of the battle against the unseen enemy of COVID 19. While the use of soap and water is highly recommended, at times during daily routine one uses hand sanitizers.
With effective sanitizer having at least 70 percent of alcohol, increase contact with irritants and allergies may increase the risk of hand dermatitis or eczema. This is manifested through redness, dryness, cracks, or even blisters that cause itch or pain on the skin.
Skin irritation
Hand sanitizers are by nature antiseptic produced to disinfect the skin made from alcohol. While the fragrance is added to reduce the strong smell of alcohol. Frequent use causes skin irritation and dry skin caused by alcohol. An individual with sensitive skin will be more affected by hand sanitizers. After the use of sanitizer, one should use a moisturizer afterward.
Skin disorder
Continuous use of hand sanitizers to guard against germs and COVID 19 could lead to risk infection via the skin. Overuse of hand sanitizer may remove benign bacteria on the skin that is not good. The continuous exposure to triclosan as an ingredient in the production of hand sanitizer increases the likelihood of developing resistance to antibiotics. While shopping looks for hand sanitizer without triclosan.
The most effective and economically viable way to fight the coronavirus is the use of soap and running warm water. The hand sanitizer should only be used as last resort and not overdone to minimize its side effects on users.
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