Key Takeaways

Alcohol-based sanitizers may eliminate more germs, but may also cause more side effects.

Limit hand sanitizer use to avoid skin irritation.

Choose soap and water when available for safe, effective cleaning.

Applying hand sanitizer to your hands is a quick and effective way to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that cause disease. You may not know that using too much hand sanitizer can do more harm than good.

1. Your Skin May Become Irritated

Hand sanitizers that contain alcohol may negatively impact your skin, particularly if you use them frequently or in large quantities. Potential side effects include the following symptoms and diagnoses:

Flaking

Dryness

Cracking

Redness

Tingling

Numbness

Psoriasis

Eczema

Skin infections

Those that contain

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