Why use sanitizer

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others. Find more information about how to select, wear, and clean your mask.

When you are fully vaccinated , you may be able to start doing some things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. Follow CDC guidance on large gatherings, social distancing and mask wearing , based on if you are fully vaccinated or not.

Learn how to protect your family and about the importance of getting your flu vaccine. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of getting sick is by washing your hands with plain soap and water, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC. Should I be using antibacterial soap to wash my hands? The best way to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of getting sick is by washing your hands with plain soap and water, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC.

There is currently no evidence that consumer antiseptic wash products also known as antibacterial soaps are any more effective at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water. In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients could do more harm than good in the long-term and more research is needed.

What do I do if I get a rash or other reaction to hand sanitizer? Call your doctor if you experience a serious reaction to hand sanitizer. What does this mean? Can I use these products on my hands or body to prevent or treat the virus? Always follow the instructions on household cleaners. Do not use disinfectant sprays or wipes on your skin because they may cause skin and eye irritation.

Disinfectant sprays or wipes are not intended for use on humans or animals. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces. Do not ingest or inhale disinfectant sprays. Can I make my own hand sanitizer? Addition of alcohol to an existing non-alcohol hand sanitizer is unlikely to result in an effective product.

FDA recommends that consumers do not make their own hand sanitizer. If made incorrectly, hand sanitizer can be ineffective, and there have been reports of skin burns from homemade hand sanitizer. The agency lacks verifiable information on the methods being used to prepare hand sanitizer at home and whether they are safe for use on human skin.

Does FDA regulate all hand sanitizers? Do hand sanitizers come with product information on their labeling? Consumers should assure they are following the warnings and precautions described on this label, particularly regarding use in children. The Drug Facts label will also describe the ingredients in the product. Do hand sanitizers have an expiration date? Are they still effective after the expiration date? OTC drug products generally must list an expiration date unless they have data showing that they are stable for more than 3 years and their labeling does not bear dosage limitations.

FDA does not have information on the stability or effectiveness of drug products past their expiration date See 21 CFR Call your doctor or the Poison Help Line at if you experience a serious reaction to hand sanitizer. Be especially careful not to get hand sanitizer in your eyes because it can cause burning and damage to the surface of the eye.

Watch young children around dispensers containing hand sanitizer, which are often mounted at eye level and can splash. If you get hand sanitizer in your eyes, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water as soon as possible, and call a health care provider or poison control center. If you are using hand sanitizer in a closed area, such as a car, open the windows to improve ventilation until the hand sanitizer is dry. Do not drink hand sanitizer. This is particularly important for young children, especially toddlers, who may be attracted by the pleasant smell or brightly colored bottles of hand sanitizer.

Drinking even a small amount of hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning in children. But there is no need to be concerned if your children eat with or lick their hands after using hand sanitizer. Beware of alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are packaged in containers that may appear as food or drinks, and of those that contain food flavors or fragrances.

We also found hand sanitizers that contain food flavors or fragrances, such as chocolate or raspberry. Eating or drinking these products can cause serious injury or death. Do not allow pets to swallow hand sanitizer.

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, you should clean your hands by immediately washing your hands with soap or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer to avoid spreading germs.

Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in schools and childcare facilities. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Hand Sanitizer Use Out and About. Minus Related Pages. Learn more. When should I use? Soap and Water Before , during , and after preparing food Before eating food Before and after caring for someone who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea Before and after treating a cut or wound After using the toilet After changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste After handling pet food or pet treats After touching garbage If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer Before and after visiting a friend or loved one in a hospital or nursing home, unless the person is sick with Clostridioides difficile if so, use soap and water to wash hands. How should I use? Soap and Water Wet your hands with clean running water warm or cold , turn off the tap, and apply soap.