Antibacterial Gels : Uses and Benefits of Antibacterial Gels

Antibacterial gel is commonly used along a broad sphere of users. Perhaps this gel is most commonly used and popularly known as a hand sanitizer. This gel is perfect for cleansing the skin when soap and water are not available. Just a small coin sized squirt into the palm and that is all which is required. The gel is rubbed onto the skin in much the same way as a hand lotion. Its specialty is that it quickly evaporates on account of the alcohol content. The gel kills most bacterial germs and pathogens on instant contact and contains fingerprints to lubricate and soften the skin, such as emollients like aloe vera gel.

Antibacterial gels come in various shapes and sizes from bottles which can be squeezed to small single-use packets. The gel is a handy addition to the wallet or the glove compartment of your car. It’s a simple means of staying clean and fresh. Antibacterial gel has gained in popularity to the point where you can find it sitting around just anywhere from the bank teller’s window to the department store counter.

Alcohol Versus Non Alcohol

One of the biggest debates that centers around antibacterial gels is whether brands that contain alcohol should be considered. A Wall Street article found a nurse tested positive for alcohol in the system post the use of a hand sanitizer, providing detrimental to her patients. Antibacterial gel sans alcohol is not just a good idea for medical professionals, but also minors.

Hand sanitizers are considered safe for babies if they are alcohol free, but certain precautions also need to be taken. The gel should evaporate completely before babies put their hands into their mouths. Eco-friendly and child-safe antibacterial gel that does not contain alcohol or harsh chemicals is the right choice.

Antibacterial gel can prove handy just about anywhere from medical facilities to day care centers.

History Behind Antibacterial Gels

The notion of antibacterial hand gels was put forth through the work of innovator Lupe Hernandez, who in 1966 found alcohol could be placed via the gel. It was not until the late 80s that hand gels were sold commercially. Once the Center for Disease Control detected that alcoholic gels could kill flu and virus inducing germs which is useful when you cannot get soap plus water. Antibacterial hand gels soon came into vogue after that. Antibacterial gels gradually caught on on account of their convenience and multiple uses.

Alcohol Based Gels

Earlier alcohol gels were used in health care facilities and were recommended by CDC. The 2 popular components found in alcohol based gels are isopropyl and/or ethyl-alcohol. At 68 to 88 percent purity, the latter can eliminate many viral diseases like TB and flu. Isopropyl and ethyl alcohol have proved effective against HIV, herpes and hepatitis B too.

Alcohol Free Gels

Triclosan and bezaalkonium chloride are found in zero alcohol antibacterial gels, which have become powerful options as opposed to alcohol linked gels, Additionally, this gel does not have the drying effect of alcohol gels. Additionally, benzalkonium chloride refers to an antiseptic agent used to prevent small cut infections. Triclosan is good for killing bacteria. With effective use, both are needed to kill viruses that cause staphylococcus infection and fungi, protozoa as well as pathogens in yeast.

Ingredients in The Gel

An antibacterial gel such as propylene glycol are used for absorbing additional water while keeping moisture levels under control. Alcohol linked gels include a thickening substance polyacrylic. For beating the drying impact of alcohol, humectants are used such as aloe vera and glycerin along with essential oils like mandarin and tea tree oil.

Certain gels also contain a combination of chemical substances to create a scent. More ingredients include carboner, isopropyl myristate, trocopheryl acetate or aminomethyl propanol.

In 2013, the US FDA proposed a requirement that non alcohol linked antibacterial gels must prove their efficiency and safe use. Triclosa is under scrutiny for multiple health problems such as hormonal disruption.Studies also question whether benzalknium chloride may cause pathogens and bacterial ingredients resilient to antibiotics.

Multiple Uses and Benefits of Antibacterial Gel

The use of antibacterial gels has risen with time. This is more so with stress being paid on maintenance of hygiene because of H1N1, there has been an increasing awareness of how these gels can come in handy. These gels provide more benefits than one is aware of. Besides cleaning the skin, it can be used to detox the surface and disinfect items as well. Sanitizers also provide more benefits in terms of their ingredients and how the gel is used.

Excellent for Killing Germs

The ethyl alcohol found in antibacterial gels is beneficial as a germ killer. But the presence of alcohol alone is not enough. According to research, the product should have at least 60 percent alcohol which kills most germs. Gel products that contain 40 percent alcohol when used as sanitizers and disinfectants lower close to 50 percent of the germs. You need to apply the hand sanitizer and ensure you don’t miss out on the spots where germs lurked. But if you have all the spots covered, killing germs is easy.

If you are wearing rings on fingers, then you need to take them off while applying the sanitizer too.

Instant Mobility

Antibacterial gels are great for carrying and you can take them just about anywhere. The alcohol and other agents excellent for killing germs can easily be used as disinfectants. Maintaining cleanliness is important to prevent the spread of germs. Whenever antibacterial gels are used, the content of ethyl alcohol or other important ingredients is critical. Antibacterial gels prevent the spread of germs and falling sick.

Slower Redevelopment of Bacterial Pathogens

It has also been used for ensuring slower redevelopment of bacterial pathogens. This slows the growth of bacterial on the skin when correctly used. Use of hand sanitizers has shown the reduction of illnesses and boosted school attendance. They work quicker and have long lasting action. The application of alcohol antibacterial gel has increases in public and health-care fields as well. Most antibacterial gels contain sixty to ninety five percent ethanol or isopropanol alcohol. Foam, gels and rinses are different types of antibacterial gels available.

Convenient to Use

Additionally, antibacterial gel is also convenient. Transporting bottles in pockets, purses or leaving a small amount at desks or workstations can prove beneficial. From public sporting events to classrooms, hands contaminated with fluids can be sorted out easily.

It also has more convenient action as opposed to antimicrobial soaps. The antibacterial gel needs to be applied for about 15 seconds. Washing hands takes longer and is more cumbersome.

Halt Rota-virus

Using these antibacterial gels is more effective in stemming the flow of rota-virus, rhino-virus and adenovirus as against medicated and non medicated hand soaps. This is as per research by CDC. Antibacterial gel includes those with 70 percent alcohol which results in less transfer of gram negative bacilli.

Cleanliness That Comes With Ease

A foremost benefit of the antibacterial gel sanitizes. The products were designed to kill germs and get the job done. Used properly, the antibacterial gel eliminates 99.9 percent of germs. It works for disinfecting food after touching pathogens or surfaces teeming with germs.

Less Chance of Disease

During the flu season, the exposure to other people’s germs can be dangerous for you. While sanitizing the skin, you reduce chances of sickness. Get softer feeling hands that improve the texture of your skin. Certain antibacterial gels also contain emollients that soften the skin.

Conclusion

There are many benefits of antibacterial gel from fending off germs efficiently or fighting them effectively and improving your skin texture. Without doubt, germ fighting products work throughout the day to sanitize your home, your skin and your office with ease.