Hand sanitiser

This content has been written and checked for quality and accuracy by

Mohamed Imran Lakhi Content Administrator GPhC: 2060586 Updated on: 26/05/2020 Next review: 26/11/2020

This content has been written by

Mohamed Imran Lakhi Content Administrator Updated on: 26/05/2020 Next review: 26/11/2020

What is hand sanitiser for?

Alcohol hand sanitiser is an antimicrobial solution which is used to kill germs and bacteria. It's commonly used in hygiene sensitive environments such as commercial kitchens and healthcare environments. However, it has become a common everyday carry for many people who are cautious about their hygiene.

We offer two hand sanitisers - a liquid solution and a gel. Both hand sanitisers contain 70% alcohol and are effective at killing bacteria and other germs from your hands.

You can also use hand sanitiser to sterilise non-sterile gloves. To use the sanitiser in this way, simply use the sanitiser as you normally would but while wearing gloves.

Why do I need alcohol hand sanitiser gel?

The environment which we interact with on a daily basis is riddled with germs, such as bacteria and dirt, which pose a threat our health. Hand rails, door handles, buttons at pedestrian crossings are touched by many people on a regular basis and can carry harmful bacteria and viruses.

Handling raw ingredients, particularly meats, can expose your hands to bacteria which you can easily contaminate other foods with.

Shared spaces such as offices are also ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. Keyboards, mice, headsets, desk surfaces and doorhandles can also carry potentially dangerous bacteria.

In most cases, harmful bacteria and viruses can be removed from the skin using soap and water. But if you don't have immediate access to soap and water, it can be difficult to clean your hands. If this is the case, hand sanitiser may be a suitable alternative.

Additionally, antibacterial hand sanitiser can be a useful product to carry around to keeps your hands hygienically fresh, whether you often shake hands with other people, provide care to someone or often expose yourself to bacteria.

You can buy hand sanitiser online from Prescription Doctor quickly and conveniently. We offer a next-day discreet delivery from our GPhC registered pharmacy. All products listed on our website are licensed for use in the UK by the MHRA.

Features of MediSanitize hand sanitisers:

• 70% alcohol base
• Contains aloe vera extract
• Lemon scented

Features of AGV hand sanitiser gel

• 70% Denatured alcohol
• Evaporated quickly
• Non-sticky

When should I use hand sanitiser?

Alcohol hand sanitiser gel is suitable to use in the following situations:

• Before and after visiting a friend or relative in a care environment
• After touching anything which may be contaminated with bacteria
• If soap and water is not immediately available

Do not use hand sanitiser on visibly soiled hands, or if your hand is cut.

You can use alcohol hand sanitiser to sterilise latex or nitrile gloves.

How do I use hand sanitiser?

Using hand sanitiser gel is straight-forward.

1. Apply a small amount of the gel to the palm of your hand.
2. Rub your hands together, ensuring to spread the gel between your fingers and on the backs of your hands.
3. Keep rubbing the gel into your skin until your hands are dry.

Do not mix hand sanitiser with water as this will weaken the antibacterial effect.

Side effects and cautions

Hand sanitiser is highly flammable and should be kept away from open flames and heat sources.

Hand sanitiser may cause irritation on sites with cuts or scratches.

After applying hand sanitiser, you may experience a cooling sensation on the application site.

Using hand sanitiser often

Allergic reaction

If you are allergic to aloe vera, glycerine, or any of the other ingredients listed on the bottle, do not use hand sanitiser.

If you experience an allergic reaction after using hand sanitiser, discontinue use and speak to your doctor or a pharmacist. In the case of severe allergic reaction, such as suspected anaphylaxis, seek immediate emergency medical attention by going straight to the nearest casualty department.

Signs of allergic reaction include:

• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat
• Raised, red, itching bumps on your skin (hives)
• Dry, cracked or flaking skin
• Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting or fainting

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Speak to your doctor before using hand sanitiser gel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Other safety information

Do not use hand sanitiser past the expiry date printed on the bottle.

Do not store above 40°C.

Avoid rubbing your eyes after applying hand sanitiser. If you get hand sanitiser in your eyes,

Alcohol based hand sanitiser may discolour fabrics, and may cause damage to woods and plastics.

Always keep hand sanitiser out of reach from children and pets.

Is hand sanitiser effective against Covid-19?

There is currently a lot of misinformation about the effectiveness of hand sanitiser against the coronavirus known as Covid-19.

Hand sanitisers with an alcohol content of 60% or higher are effective against coronavirus. Moreover, the NHS recommend using hand sanitiser when washing your hands is not possible, so long as your hands are not visibly soiled.

The hand sanitiser we offer through our online service has a 70% alcohol base which makes it ideal for preventing the spread of harmful infections.

Of course, it's important to wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing raw ingredients, going to the toilet or coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.

For more information about Covid-19, see our blog post here.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I get hand sanitiser in my eyes?

If you accidentally get hand sanitiser in your eyes, you should rinse the gel away using water.

If you continue to experience burning long after rinsing the substance from your eyes, speak to a doctor as soon as you can.

What should I do if I or someone else accidentally swallows the hand sanitiser?

If you or someone else accidentally swallows the hand sanitiser, ring the NHS 111 service for advice or speak to a doctor as soon as you can.

Due to the high alcohol content of the sanitiser gel, accidental ingestion can seriously harm a child.

Alternatively, you can contact a poison centre for advice.

Due to the alcohol content, hand sanitiser can seriously harm a child if swallowed.

Can I use hand sanitiser to remove bleach or disinfectant from my hands?

Do not use hand sanitiser if your hands have another chemical agent, such as bleach, on them.

Mixing hand sanitiser with other cleaning products may result in an adverse chemical reaction which could harm your skin.

After using strong cleaning solutions, it is advised to wash your hands with regular soap and water.

Can I use hand sanitiser after a meal?

Hand sanitiser is not very effective at removing grease and food particles, such as crumbs, from your hands.

In this instance, you should wash your hands with soap and water.

However, if your hands are dry and clean, but you feel they may be contaminated from touching shares utensils, you can use hand sanitiser to effectively eradicate germs.

Buying hand sanitiser online

You can buy hand sanitiser online from Prescription Doctor. When you use our online GPhC registered pharmacy, you can rest assured that the product is genuine and approved in the UK by the MHRA.

To buy hand sanitiser through our online service, simply select the button at the top of the page which says "start order".

Table of contents

What is hand sanitiser for?

When should I use hand sanitiser?

How do I use hand sanitiser?

Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions

Buy hand sanitiser online