A few months ago, Aunt Wang did a big cleaning at home. She uses plenty of disinfectant to wipe down furniture, floors, and even doorknobs to make sure every corner of the house is clean. However, after a few days, her hands began to appear red, swollen, itchy, and her skin became unusually dry. Aunt Wang began to worry about how harmful these disinfectants were to her skin and body.
In our daily lives, disinfectants and disinfectants have become essential cleaning supplies. Especially during the epidemic, everyone frequently uses various disinfection products. However, what are the effects of disinfectants on our health when they get on our skin? Today, we're going to explore this in more detail and offer some practical ways to deal with it to make it safer and more secure when using disinfectants.
The ingredients of the disinfectant react with the skin
Common disinfectant ingredients and what they do
In our daily lives, we commonly use disinfectants such as alcohol, bleach, and chlorhexidine. Alcohol is mainly used to kill bacteria and viruses and is commonly found in hand sanitizers. The sodium hypochlorite in bleach has a strong sterilization effect and is mostly used for cleaning in homes and public places. Chlorhexidine is commonly found in healthcare settings and is used to disinfect skin and instruments.
The potential effects of disinfectants on the skin
Irritant dermatitis
When the disinfectant comes into contact with the skin, it can cause irritant dermatitis. This reaction usually manifests as redness, itching, or burning sensation in the skin, and blisters may appear in severe cases. This is because certain ingredients, such as alcohol and sodium hypochlorite, are intensely irritating and can disrupt the skin's natural barrier with prolonged or frequent exposure.
anaphylaxis
Some people are allergic to disinfectant ingredients, and allergic symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, and rashes will occur after contact. Allergic reactions depend not only on the disinfectant itself, but also on the individual's constitution. Common allergens include chlorhexidine and certain additives.
Potential hazards of long-term use
Long-term use of disinfectants can lead to dry, cracked skin. The chemical ingredients in alcohol and bleach remove the natural oils from the skin's surface, drying out the skin. Frequent use of these disinfectants, especially if left unprotected, increases the risk of skin damage.
Potential damage to the body by disinfectants
Skin absorption with systemic effects
The skin is the body's first line of defense, but it is not completely impenetrable. Some disinfectant ingredients can be absorbed into the body through the skin. When alcohol is absorbed into the skin, it can travel through the bloodstream to the whole body. Although general usage does not cause serious problems, long-term exposure to large amounts can have negative health effects.
Risks to specific populations
Children and the elderly
Children's skin is thinner, the protective layer is not yet fully developed, and they are susceptible to disinfectants. The skin of the elderly is more fragile, the resistance is reduced, and improper use is easy to cause skin problems. Therefore, these two groups of people should be especially cautious when using disinfectants.
People with weakened immune systems
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with chronic diseases and users of immunosuppressive medications, are more likely to develop skin damage and infections after exposure to disinfectants. Such people should minimize direct contact with disinfectants and take precautions when using them.
How to deal with skin-to-skin contact disinfectants
Immediate action
If the skin comes into contact with the disinfectant, rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes. Use a mild, unscented soap for further cleansing.
Follow-up care
After exposure to disinfectants, moisturizers or ointments containing restorative ingredients should be used to help restore skin barrier function. Avoid re-exposure to disinfectants until the skin has fully recovered.
When to seek medical help
If you have persistent skin problems, such as redness, itching, pain, or severe reactions such as large blisters, you should seek medical attention.
By understanding the composition of disinfectants and their potential effects on the skin and body, we can better protect ourselves and take appropriate precautions when using disinfectants to avoid unnecessary health risks.
How to use disinfectants safely
Correct amount and frequency of use
Use in strict accordance with the instructions
Each disinfectant has specific instructions for use and recommended dosages. Excessive use is not only a waste of resources, but can also cause unnecessary damage to the skin and body. Read the product label carefully before use and follow the recommended dosage and frequency. For example, the effective concentration of alcohol-based disinfectants is typically 60%-70%, and above or below this range may reduce the effectiveness of disinfection and increase the risk of skin irritation.
Avoid frequent use
Frequent use of disinfectants can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, leaving it dry and brittle. Especially in daily life, the excessive use of disinfectants not only has a limited improvement in sterilization effect, but may also cause skin problems. It is recommended to use it when necessary, and it is sufficient to maintain a moderate amount of cleanliness.
Avoid mixing
Do not mix different disinfectants
Mixing different kinds of disinfectants can lead to chemical reactions, produce toxic gases or cause greater irritation to the skin. For example, mixing bleach with ammonia can produce toxic chlorine gas, which is extremely dangerous. Therefore, mixing different types of disinfectants should be avoided.
Focus on a single product
When cleaning, choose a suitable disinfectant and use it consistently. This ensures its effectiveness while reducing the risk of skin exposure to a wide range of chemicals. When choosing, try to choose products with simple ingredients and less skin irritation.
Personal protective measures
Wear gloves
When handling disinfectants, wearing gloves is the most straightforward way to protect your skin. The use of chemical-resistant rubber gloves can effectively isolate the disinfectant and prevent it from coming into direct contact with the skin. After handling the disinfectant, take off your gloves and wash your hands in a timely manner.
Use moisturizer
Frequent exposure to disinfectants can lead to dry skin and even tears. It is advisable to use moisturizer promptly after each use of disinfectant to keep the skin hydrated. Choose moisturizers that contain moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, urea, etc., which can effectively repair and protect the skin.
Alternatives
Choose a mild disinfectant
For people with sensitive skin, mild disinfectants can be chosen. For example, disinfectants containing plant-derived ingredients are less irritating to the skin and are also effective in sterilizing.
Use natural alternatives
Some natural ingredients also have a disinfecting effect, such as vinegar and tea tree oil. While they may not be as effective as chemical disinfectants, these natural alternatives are a safer option for light disinfection needs.