Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers: Review of Efficacy and Adverse Effect

Shegun Victor Oluwatuyi ,Alaba Tolulope Agbele ,Awe Tolulope Veronica Ayo ,Adelabu Mobolaji Ayo ,Ayoyinka Bridget Fayoke ,Oluwatuyi Mayowa Funmilayo ,Ajijola Anuoluwapo Deborah ,Modupe Elizabeth Ogunrinde

doi:10.7176/jhmn/81-01

Abstract

Objective: The use and adverse effect of alcohol-based hand sanitizers as a preventive measure in combating the spread of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A literature search of the electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Research gate and Embase was conducted to retrieve articles investigating the protective effect of alcohol-based sanitizers against the spread of COVID-19 as well as its possible adverse effects. The search timeframe ranged from the inception of each database to August 2020. Results: From an initial search of 456 articles, and after the removal of duplicates as well as applying the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 74 articles were finally included for this systematic review. Results showed promising protective effect of alcohol-based hand sanitizers against the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, no adverse effect was observed after the use of alcohol-based sanitizers though there are certain possible adverse effect identified which includes skin toxicity, risk of skin burn due flammability etc. Conclusion: Alcohol based hand sanitizers are effective against lipophilic viruses which means they are effective against coronaviruses. To ensure efficacy of the product, the recommended ethanol concentrates should be strictly adhered to and regulated. Alcohol based hand sanitizers has few adverse effects ranging from skin toxicity when ethanol concentrates is relatively high and not regulated courtesy of proliferation of fake products in the market. They are known to be flammable in nature and can cause skin burn if the safety and precautionary instructions are not strictly adhered to. Hand hygiene and the use of alcohol based hand sanitizers are effective in preventing direct and indirect spread of COVID-19. Keywords: Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer; Pandemic; COVID-19; Disinfectants; Disease Prevention DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/81-01 Publication date: October 31 st 2020

Highlights

Many Countries including Nigeria focuses on regular hand washing practice and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a means of preventing coronavirus spread [1]
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-2019) pandemic is of great concern to public health
Alcohol based hand sanitizers are effective against lipophilic viruses which means they are effective against coronaviruses [52,53,54]

Summary

Introduction

Many Countries including Nigeria focuses on regular hand washing practice and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a means of preventing coronavirus spread [1]. This article focused on the use of alcohol based hand sanitizers and its effectiveness in the prevention of COVID-19 while considering its adverse effects. The use of alcohol based hand sanitizer is globally practiced in an effort to prevent rapid spread of the virus [2]. Due to the contagious nature of the virus, the use of disinfectants such as alcohol based hand sanitizer becomes apparent. COVID-19 or n-COV 2019 is a contagious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which can persist and remain infectious on surfaces for up to 9-14days [1,2,3]

Methods

Results

Conclusion