Excessive use of hydroalcoholic gel can damage the skin of the hands

To combat the effects of erosive dermatitis (dry or cracked skin), experts recommend using a moisturizing cream that restores the balance of damaged skin and not using this type of gel to wash your hands if we are going to be exposed to the sun.

In addition to washing our hands thoroughly with soap and water, a few months ago we have also introduced among our daily habits the use of alcohol-based gels - hydroalcoholic gels - as a preventive measure to keep the coronavirus at bay and avoid fearful infections.

On the bus, when we enter a store, in the supermarket, when we get home or to the office, when we touch any 'suspicious' surface or, simply, when the opportunity presents itself, these hydroalcoholic gels, which act as powerful destroyers of microbes and containing at least 60% alcohol, are very effective as disinfectants, but - and although they all fulfill the mission of sterilizing our hands - not all have the same composition and their abusive use can damage the skin.

Depending on the degree of skin sensitivity

Obviously, all products of this type that have appeared on the market - 80% of the brands are newly created - meet the required requirements and have passed the relevant health controls, but, "depending on the degree of sensitivity of each person , can cause alterations in the skin," explains Dr. Luis Miguel García, president of the Aragonese Society of Family and Community Medicine (Samfyc), who, although he recognizes that "in this case, the benefit is greater than the risk involved ”, also states that, with the repeated use of these products, literally, “we are polishing the mantle of our skin.”

“Our skin - continues the doctor - has a fatty mantle that protects us from infections, hence the use of soaps with neutral pH. But, if this mantle disappears, some bacteria can enter directly, because we no longer have a defense barrier.” And, then, our skin "cracks" or "small wounds" appear that can become infected. Through these products, the doctor assures, "we use alcohol to kill the coronavirus, so that it does not stay on our hands and we become infected if we touch our face. In fact - he explains -, when we enter a store, for example “We apply the gel so we can touch everything without contaminating anything.” “And, of course, it is much better to use the gel than gloves, which give us a false sense of security and make us trust ourselves,” he says.

"With the repeated use of these products we are polishing the skin mantle"

The frequent use of these disinfectants can cause “erosive type dermatitis” in people who have more sensitive skin, which occurs when the skin dries out and cracks, so it is very convenient to “combat this dryness with moisturizing creams.” “for our skin to rehydrate and recover.” "Alcohol dries out viruses and bacteria, it dehydrates them, but we don't want it to dry out and damage the skin of our hands, which is why these products only contain 60% alcohol." Although, at the end of the day, alcohol is alcohol and It also dries out our skin.

The president of the Aragonese Society of Family Medicine constantly refers to the good and always necessary use of common sense, which, in this case, tells us that it is not necessary to be "constantly washing our hands with these types of products"; For example, he says: “We can wash our hands with the gel when we enter the house, but afterward we have to do it with soap and water. At home we also go without a mask.”

Furthermore, now with the heat, "if we lose the acid mantle of the skin and increase the humidity with sweat, fungus can appear between the fingers and, if cracks occur, they can become infected."

"If we wash with hydrogel when entering the house, for example, then, on successive times, it is better to do it with soap and water"

How many times can I wash my hands with hydroalcoholic gel?
Regarding the number of applications or the amount of gel that our long-suffering hands could handle per day, Dr. Luis Miguel García suggests that, if, for example, we go to the stores and "after 5 or 6 applications of hydrogel we begin to feel discomfort in skin", we would have to start worrying and resort to a moisturizing cream that counteracts the dryness caused by alcohol.

And, of course - and most experts agree on this - if we are thinking of enjoying a day at the beach or pool, it is best to avoid washing our hands with hydroalcoholic gel if we are going to expose ourselves to the sun, as we could suffer some type of skin injury, irritations and even burns. In these cases, it is best to wash your hands with soap and water and then apply a good cream with a high degree of sun protection. Furthermore, adds Luis Miguel García, "we still do not know how these gels will interact with sun creams on the skin of the hands."

And what about the children?

The use that children can make of this type of hydroalcoholic gels is a matter of concern among many parents, since the little ones can put their hands in their mouths after using it. So, and following the expert's advice, the most advisable thing will be, once again, to "wash their hands well with soap and water." And, if they have to resort to using it, they should always do so under the supervision of an adult.

With the rapid emergence of this type of products on the market, there is still no scientific evidence on which of them is the best, the most effective. Some prefer them more liquid or watery; others, in gel format, although most end up complaining about the 'sticky' sensation that the latter leave on the skin. "Everyone has their own preferences," concludes Dr. Luis Miguel García. "So, for now, we must choose the one that leaves us with the best sensation in our hands and that, of course, does not cause any irritation." And one last piece of advice: "When washing our hands with hydroalcoholic gel, be very careful not to get them into our eyes afterwards!"

And, regarding whether a hydrogel bottle can cause a fire, this is not possible, since although its components are glycerin and alcohol, a spark would always be needed.