Hand Sanitizers: Good or Bad?

At the gym, there is an automatic sanitizing sprayer that will “decontaminate my hands” as I come and go. I take my kids to school and outside each room is a sanitizing gel pump. They get several doses throughout the day of this high alcohol rub. This started with great intentions. We are trying to prevent the spread of illness in general and hands seem to carry many germs. So it is good, right?

Latest research seems to be stating otherwise. We have bacteria all over us…… and that isn’t necessarily bad. Hand washing gently removes bacteria but in a far different method than sanitizing does. I still remember my Rheumatology professor giving this warning 15 years ago when I was in school for my Doctor of Chiropractic. His warning: Sanitize objects and things but never a person! We depend on healthy bacterial balance much like in our digestive system where we focus on keeping probriotics and good bacteria. We need balance on our skin also.

While using a hand sanitizer periodically has been shown to be safe, regular use can negatively influence your immune system. I will use a citrus based spray for when I am on the go but for optimal health I would stick with good ol’ fashion hand washing.

Here is a great article on Livestrong.com
http://www.livestrong.com/article/139965-negative-effects-hand-sanitizer/