Harmful effects of hand sanitizers?

[Petie Louise]

I have a friend who constantly uses hand sanitizers after touching and/or being touched by people or anything for that matter. I understood that over using such products can be detrimental because the products can destroy "good" germs also. However, I can't seem to find the "source" of my knowledge. Does anyone out there know?

[gammaray]

The only problem they cause from over use is dry and flakey skin.

[fideldyfee]

what's a hand sanitizer?

[Ethel]

fideldyfee - it is a lotion / liquid that you can apply to your hands to clean and sanitise them without water.

Unless you are at a hospital or work with food they are completely uneccessary.

[Petie Louise]

The hand sanitizers I am familiar with come in a liquid gel form. You apply a small amount to your hands, rub together. It dries quickly. It can be very useful if you have come in places where there is no running water.

[Ethel]

Have a read here:

http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/health/emergencies/pandem ic/faq_gel_en.html#P27_1762

[Petie Louise]

Thank you for the site. From reading that information it seems that I can't effectively argue against the use but it can be an iritating habit.

[Petie Louise]

Hi Pickle!

Yes, I am sure my friend is "mildly" OCD and a "germaphobic" and I can't change that; however he is reasonable and open to factual information and I was hoping for some of that in order to present an effective point of view other than my personal iritation with the practice.