Question about hand sanitizing gel

[LoveBWVVBR]

Now that my DD is a toddler, she is catching every bug that goes around thanks to enrollment in various mommy and me classes each week. We use a lot of hand sanitizer (Purell, Bath and Body Works, etc.), but from what I can tell, they only kill bacteria. Is there a sanitizer that kills viruses as well? My DD is getting a lot of colds, and those are caused by viruses.

 

[freckles and boo]

After reading this I was thinking that they do kill viruses, so I looked it up. Apparently they must contain alcohol.

From the Mayo clinic site

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407

Proper use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require water — are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren't available. They're actually more effective than soap and water in killing bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Commercially prepared hand sanitizers contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products can result in less skin dryness and irritation than hand washing.

Not all hand sanitizers are created equal, though. Some "waterless" hand sanitizers don't contain alcohol. Use only the alcohol-based products.

To use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:


Apply about 1/2 tsp of the product to the palm of your hand.
Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of your hands, until they're dry.
If your hands are visibly dirty, however, wash with soap and water rather than a sanitizer.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

That's interesting! The containers always say something like "Kills 99.9% of all bacteria" but nothing about viruses. I assumed that they were just no good for viruses now. I'm going to make sure that we only use the alcohol-based kinds now. After this most recent cold, DH and I are doubling up on our hand sanitizing efforts w/DD in an effort to keep her healthy.

 

[freckles and boo]

I can sympathize. I was up all night with my projectile vomiting seven-year-old who, I am positive, picked up this particular bug at a McDonald's Playplace birthday party. She is finally sleeping and I wish I could, too!

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

I can sympathize. I was up all night with my projectile vomiting seven-year-old who, I am positive, picked up this particular bug at a McDonald's Playplace birthday party. She is finally sleeping and I wish I could, too!

Oh yuck! There really is nothing worse than the barf bug. I hope that your DD is over it now so you can also get some rest.

Those McDonalds playplaces (and the play areas at the mall) are just the worst for germs IMHO! It's like a guarantee that your kids will catch something if they play in them

 

[eeyore45]

some schools are banning them based on the fact they are alcohol based, and some poor child at home setting drank a bottle, and so the warning was issued, so a school thought they should ban them, but they are effective in killing germs, and most doctors prefer the hand sanitizers over the use of the soaps with the anti stuff in it (because of the "super bug" Syndrome)


Healthy VIBES + *+ *+ *+* *+**++

 

[angel_bright05]

there is nothing that kills viruses. only bacteria.

 

[freckles and boo]

there is nothing that kills viruses. only bacteria.

I don't think that is accurate. Obviously anti-bacterials don't kill viruses, but other anti-microbials do. My sister-in-law is a microbiologist and runs a pathology lab among other duties. If anyone is interested I will shoot her an email tomorrow to get a first-person professional opinion.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

there is nothing that kills viruses. only bacteria.

Good old fashioned Lysol kills viruses as well.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I can sympathize. I was up all night with my projectile vomiting seven-year-old who, I am positive, picked up this particular bug at a McDonald's Playplace birthday party. She is finally sleeping and I wish I could, too!

Try to give your house a spray down with Lysol especially the potty........Sorry your house has that terrible stomach virus going around.

 

[freckles and boo]

Try to give your house a spray down with Lysol especially the potty........Sorry your house has that terrible stomach virus going around.

Thanks for the sympathy. Nothing like doing laundry at 3am.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

some schools are banning them based on the fact they are alcohol based, and some poor child at home setting drank a bottle, and so the warning was issued, so a school thought they should ban them, but they are effective in killing germs, and most doctors prefer the hand sanitizers over the use of the soaps with the anti stuff in it (because of the "super bug" Syndrome)


Healthy VIBES + *+ *+ *+* *+**++

I'm sure that it was only a matter of time before this happened Luckily we toured what will be DD's school last week, and they keep these giant vats of Purell everywhere including on the playground! They have the kids sanitize regularly throughout the day. It's a private school, so maybe that's why they aren't banning hand sanitizer there I can just imagine hand sanitizer being banned from all public schools, though!!

 

[CEDmom]

I don't think there's much more you can do about her picking up germs. As rough as it is now you'll be amazed at how strong her immune system will be come next winter.

 

[jenimay]

I tried a product my cousin had and got hooked, it kills 99% bacteria and other illness causing germs, but anyway it's ALCOHOL FREE. I guess they have , lotion, cleaners, etc in addition to the foam, but I just use the foam. I tried my regular stuff after trying this brand and the pureworks stuff leaves my hands so much softer. They guy who invented it is a chemist and it's regulated by the FDA so it's legit - lol.
Anyway here's a link, and NO I don't sell the stuff, just thought maybe some of you would be intersted in it.
http://www.mypureworks.com/pureworks/tours/product/default.aspx

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I tried a product my cousin had and got hooked, it kills 99% bacteria and other illness causing germs, but anyway it's ALCOHOL FREE. I guess they have , lotion, cleaners, etc in addition to the foam, but I just use the foam. I tried my regular stuff after trying this brand and the pureworks stuff leaves my hands so much softer. They guy who invented it is a chemist and it's regulated by the FDA so it's legit - lol.
Anyway here's a link, and NO I don't sell the stuff, just thought maybe some of you would be intersted in it.
http://www.mypureworks.com/pureworks/tours/product/default.aspx

I will be purchasing this evening.....Love to give new stuff a try. Thanks for the info, the germaphob in me also thanks you!