Use Of Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers Research Articles

Potential of Antibacterial Activity in Natural Ingredients (Betel Leaves, Basil Leaves, Avocado Seeds, Lemongrass, Garlic) As Natural Hand Sanitizers: Journal Review

In an effort to reduce the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers because of their quite dangerous impact on the skin, natural hand sanitizers are an alternative. The antibacterial substances in betel leaves, basil leaves, avocado seeds, lemongrass, and garlic can be used as materials for natural hand sanitizers. The purpose of this study was to collect, identify, and compare journals about the effectiveness of antibacterial agents in natural ingredients that are used as natural hand sanitizers. Using the journal review method through reviewing the contents of journals that discuss antibacterial activity, the results show that the five phytochemical compounds contain active antibacterial compounds so that they have the potential to make natural hand sanitizers, as well as the antibacterial inhibition zone of these five ingredients showing high results with strong to very strong categories. It was concluded that the five ingredients could be used as natural hand sanitizer materials. However, betel leaves are preferred because of their largest inhibition zone, 3.1-4.0 cm.

Shifting trends in demographic features of chemical eye injuries during COVID-19 pandemic.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the etiological cause distribution in chemical eye injuries during COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn this retrospective case series, the medical records of patients, who presented with chemical eye injuries between March 30, 2020, and March 1, 2021, were evaluated and compared with the data covering 10 years before the pandemic.ResultsTwenty-seven eyes of twenty-three patients (19 adults, 4 children) who presented in pandemic period were included. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer was one of the two most common agents (n = 6 eyes) in the pandemic era. In the last 10 years before the pandemic, 137 eyes of 102 patients were treated for chemical eye injuries. Injuries due to alcohol-based hand sanitizer increased from 3.1 to 21.1% among all patients, and from 0 to 75% among pediatric patients during the pandemic era compared to the pre-pandemic period. The increase was statistically significant both in all patients (p = .003) and in the pediatric patient group (p = .048).ConclusionDue to COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol-based hand sanitizer use became more common. Consequently, the frequency of hand sanitizer related chemical injuries showed a 13-fold increase and the age group affected by such accidents is altered during the pandemic. Three out of four pediatric patients (75%) were injured with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which draws attention to the fact that improperly placed hand sanitizer stations, being just at the eye level of children, can cause chemical eye injuries in the pediatric population even more.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer-induced burns: A harsh reality in current times

Due to the recent coronavirus pandemic, there is a steep rise in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) over the past few months. For them to be effective against microorganisms, the minimum recommended concentration of alcohol is 60%. This high alcohol content makes the sanitizers easily flammable. Although, they are extremely convenient to use, they can also prove to be a hazard if used in an improper manner. Guidelines have been published for safe manufacturing and distribution of these sanitizers. There are recommendations for storage and use, which should be adhered to in a strict manner. Their use by children should always be supervised. We report four cases of burn injuries caused by injudicious use of alcohol-based sanitizers. The flammable nature of ABHSs can also be exploited as witnessed in one of our cases. With this report, we wish to emphasize that judicious and correct use of these seemingly benign products is essential.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected gastrointestinal surgery for malignancies and surgical infections?

ABSTRACTThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected infection control and prevention measures. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on postoperative infections and infection control measures in patients underwent gastrointestinal surgery for malignancies. We retrospectively evaluated changes in clinicopathological features, frequency of alcohol-based hand sanitizer use, frequency of postoperative complications, and microbial findings among our patients in February–May in 2019 (Control group) and 2020 (Pandemic group), respectively. Surgical resection in pathological stage III or IV patients was more frequently performed in the Pandemic group than in the Control group (P = 0.02). The total length of hospitalization and preoperative hospitalization was significantly shorter in the Pandemic group (P = 0.01 and P = 0.008, respectively). During the pandemic, hand sanitizer was used by a patients for an average of 14.9±3.0 times/day during the pandemic as opposed to 9.6±3.0 times/day in 2019 (p<0.0001). Superficial surgical site infection and infectious colitis occurred less frequently during the pandemic (P = 0.04 and P = 0.0002, respectively). In Pandemic group, Enterobacter, Haemophilus, and Candida were significantly decreased in microbiological cultures (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P = 0.02, respectively) compared with Control group. Furthermore, a significant decrease in Streptococcus from drainage cultures was observed in the Pandemic group (P < 0.05). During the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in nosocomial infections was observed in the presence of an increase in alcohol-based hand sanitizer use.

Driving under the influence of alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic

AimThe main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pattern of alcohol use in drivers. Materialsand methods. At the National Institute of Legal Medicine from Bucharest, we performed a retrospective study on toxicology reports between January 1st, 2019 and December 31st, 2020. Breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) was tested using Dräger breathalyzers by police units at the scene, and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was evaluated using headspace gas chromatography. Most drivers gave two blood samples, separated by a one-hour interval, case in which they could request a retrograde extrapolation of the BAC at the time when they were stopped in traffic. ResultsThe distribution of the number of cases depending on the month showed a sharp decline in the first six months of the lockdown, with a slow upward trend afterward. Mean overall values for BrAC were 0.49 +/− 0.40 mg/L, for 1st sample BAC – 1.15 +/− 0.99 g/L and for 2nd sample BAC – 1.29 +/− 0.81 g/L. Mean values obtained for BrAC were 0.48 +/− 0.39 mg/L before the pandemic and 0.52 +/− 0.43 mg/L during the pandemic. The increase was similar in absolute numbers in both male and female drivers (0.03 versus 0.04 mg/L respectively for BrAC and 0.02 g/L for both genders for 1st sample BAC). However, the percentage increase was significantly higher in women. There were 253 cases in which BrAC had values between 0.01 and 0.05, of which 138 occurred before the pandemic and 115 during the pandemic, the increase being highly statistically significant. The percentage of drivers with BAC levels below and above 0.8 g/L (the threshold value for which DUI is a felony in Romania) were similar before and during the pandemic. ConclusionsDuring the lockdown, the number of alcohol tests in traffic has decreased significantly. This reduction was not associated with statistically significant changes in BrAC or BAC. We have seen a substantial increase in the number of minimally elevated BrAC and negative BAC cases, changes that could be caused by an increased use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer - composition, proper use and precautions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) increased worldwide among the public as well as the health care workers in pursuit to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of COVID-19. Hand hygiene is one of the primary preventive measures to prevent the spread of harmful germs. Although ABHS are effective hand hygiene products and help reduce the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms, appropriate use of such products is necessary to ensure the maximum killing of pathogens and to prevent hazards associated with ABHS. The effectiveness of ABHS against different microorganisms, including SARS-CoV-2 is also documented, but proper knowledge on hand hygiene techniques, selection of appropriate hand sanitizer product, and safe handling of ABHS are required to avoid their adverse effects such as allergies, skin irritation, lung injury, fire hazards, and toxicities. The effectiveness of ABHS is dependent on several factors including its appropriate usage, manufacturing methods, the choice of active agents, and the appropriateness of the agent on the target pathogen. This article highlights the importance of proper usage, handling, and appropriate ABHS selection for maximum efficacy against intended pathogens and safe use of ABHS. User awareness can help promote the appropriate usage of ABHS and prevent its hazards, which ultimately can help in preventing the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms.

Clustered cases of infections due to an uncommon methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus originating in a maternity ward

ObjectiveWe aimed to report a community outbreak of an uncommon methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) originating in a maternity ward. Patients and methodsCases were defined by epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological investigations. Microbiological investigations included phenotypic analysis, molecular typing, and whole-genome sequencing. To control the outbreak, we applied both national recommendations to prevent in-hospital transmission and the French High Council for Public Health guidelines on the management of community-acquired MRSA infections. ResultsBetween March and July 2016, seven patients with MRSA infections were identified: six skin and soft tissue infections and one pulmonary infection, including six microbiologically confirmed infections. Infections occurred in community settings, but a link with the same maternity ward was found for all patients. All MRSA strains had a t690 spa type, were tetracycline-resistant, and produced Panton–Valentine leukocidin. All isolates belonged to the sequence type 88 (ST88). ConclusionThis outbreak highlights the largely underestimated risk of healthcare-associated infections in maternity wards. Healthcare workers should be aware of the importance of standard hygiene precautions and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers for neonates and mothers.

Commercial Hand Sanitizers use amid COVID-19 Pandemic: the Concerns of Antimicrobial Resistance.

Following the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease, the rising concerns about the prevalence of alcohol-based hand sanitizers’ inappropriate use and substandard products in the market create an ongoing safety concern. They can cause frequent exposure of microorganisms to below the alcohol concentrations to the range recommended for infection prevention and development of mutations. Thus, it is invaluable to sensitize the scientific community for further researches to provide additional evidence. Additionally, regulation of quality and proper use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be effectively promoted. This commentary justifies the impact of COVID-19 on the current and future use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Scientific Evidence Supports the Use of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers as an Effective Alternative to Hand Washing in Retail Food and Food Service Settings When Heavy Soiling Is Not Present on Hands

Suboptimal food worker health and hygiene has been a common contributing factor in foodborne disease outbreaks for many years. Despite clear U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Model Food Code recommendations for hand washing and glove use, food worker compliance with hand washing recommendations has remained poor for >20 years. Food workers' compliance with recommended hand washing guidelines is adversely impacted by a number of barriers, including complaints of time pressure, inadequate number and/or location of hand washing sinks and hand washing supplies, lack of food knowledge and training regarding hand washing, the belief that wearing gloves obviates the need for hand washing, insufficient management commitment, and adverse skin effects caused by frequent hand washing. Although many of the issues related to poor hand washing practices in food service facilities are the same as those in health care settings, a new approach to health care hand hygiene was deemed necessary >15 years ago due to persistently low compliance rates among health care personnel. Evidence-based hand hygiene guidelines for health care settings were published by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2002 and by the World Health Organization in 2009. Despite similar low hand washing compliance rates among retail food establishment workers, no changes in the Food Code guidelines for hand washing have been made since 2001. In direct contrast to health care settings, where frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) in lieu of hand washing has improved hand hygiene compliance rates and reduced infections, the Food Code continues to permit the use of ABHSs only after hands have been washed with soap and water. This article provides clear evidence to support modifying the FDA Model Food Code to allow the use of ABHSs as an acceptable alternative to hand washing in situations where heavy soiling is not present. Emphasis on the importance of hand washing when hands are heavily soiled and appropriate use of gloves is still indicated.

A fast and low-cost approach to quality control of alcohol-based hand sanitizer using a portable near infrared spectrometer and chemometrics

The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is recommended as one of several strategies to minimize contamination and spread of the COVID-19 disease. Current reports suggest that the virucidal potential of ethanol occurs at concentrations close to 70%. Traditional methods of verifying the ethanol concentration in such products invite potential errors due to the viscosity of chemical components or may be prohibitively expensive to undertake in large demand. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics have already been used for the determination of ethanol in other matrices and present an alternative fast and reliable approach to quality control of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. In this study, a portable NIR spectrometer combined with classification chemometric tools, i.e., partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS–DA) and linear discriminant analysis with successive algorithm projection (SPA–LDA) were used to construct models to identify conforming and non-conforming commercial and laboratory synthesized hand sanitizer samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied in an exploratory data study. Three principal components accounted for 99% of data variance and demonstrate clustering of conforming and non-conforming samples. The PLS–DA and SPA–LDA classification models presented 77 and 100% of accuracy in cross/internal validation respectively and 100% of accuracy in the classification of test samples. A total of 43% commercial samples evaluated using the PLS–DA and SPA–LDA presented ethanol content non-conforming for hand sanitizer gel. These results indicate that use of NIR spectroscopy and chemometrics is a promising strategy, yielding a method that is fast, portable, and reliable for discrimination of alcohol-based hand sanitizers with respect to conforming and non-conforming ethanol concentrations.

Demographic Pattern of Covid 19 cases in and around Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

COVID-19 Pandemic has brought a threatening challenge to the world and as well as for Indian societyand economy. In India, it has become a public health disaster and its’ intensity increasing continuously.For the disaster risk reduction, and capacity building against the COVID-19 pandemic understanding ofthe relationship between socio-environmental conditions with the pandemic is very necessary. India is the2nd largest country in terms of population and 6th leading economy in the world. This study represents thehospitalized patients with COVID?19. In this cohort, significantly more patients admitted to hospital werefound to be in lower socioeconomic groups. patients with comorbidities should take all necessary precautionsto avoid getting infected with SARS CoV-2, as they usually have the worst prognosis. These precautionsinclude regular handwashing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, limiting person-toperson contact and practicing social distancing, wearing a face mask in public places, and overall limitinggoing to public areas at this time unless it is necessary

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers in COVID-19 Prevention: A Multidimensional Perspective.

The global use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) as an important means of controlling the transmission of infectious disease has increased significantly as governments and public health agencies across the world advocated hand hygiene as a preventative measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the performance of these products is most commonly defined as a function of their alcohol concentration, they are multifaceted products in which an interplay of several factors is important in determining efficacy. This paper discusses the interplay between ABHS input (formulation) factors and output (product performance) factors in the context of a multidimensional perspective using a novel representative paradigm. In the model, represented in the form of a three-dimensional tetrahedron, each of the faces represents inputs in the manufacturing of the ABHS product, which are the type and amount of alcohol, the inactive ingredients, the formulation and the manufacturing practices. The four corners of the tetrahedron represent the product performance factors which include product efficacy, sensory characteristics, usage and compliance and product safety. The multidimensional approach to the formulation and evaluation of ABHS shows that several factors contribute to the effectiveness and utility of these products. The paradigm provides a useful framework for manufacturers of ABHS and related healthcare products.

COVID-19 and contamination: impact on exposures to alcohol-based hand sanitizers reported to Texas Poison Control Centers, 2020

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has increased use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS), creating shortages leading to additional production by new, non-traditional manufacturers. In June 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings about methanol or 1-propanol contaminated brands of hand sanitizer. Exposure to methanol, including dermally, can cause kidney damage, blindness and death. Exposure to 1-propanol can cause severe acidosis and death. Chronic exposure may be more likely due to increased hand sanitizer use in 2020. Methods We used generic codes for ABHS to characterize exposures reported to the Texas Poison Control Network in 2019 and 2020. For 2020 cases, we also used case narratives to identify cases considered COVID-19 -related and cases where the caller reported exposure to unknown ABHS with safety concerns, specifically identified brands on the FDA warning list or before that warning was made in June 2020. Results Reported exposures to ABHS increased 72.5% between 2019 and 2020. In 2020, 10% of the cases were COVID-19 -related. COVID-19 -related cases in 2020 were likely to be older, to have a lower portion of young children exposed and to report chronic use of hand sanitizer. Similar trends were reported among cases who reported possible exposures to potentially unsafe ABHS products, including products on the FDA list. Most exposures were not referred for medical attention, and no deaths were reported among the Texas cases. Discussion Callers reporting exposures to ABHS related to use prompted by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) and specific exposure to unsafe products differ from the traditional callers in being older, reporting chronic use and in healthcare facility (HCF) referral. The 72.5% increase in 2020 calls compared to 2019 cases differ from typical exposures, which often involve young children. Changes in manufacturing processes by additional manufacturers have produced potential exposure to toxic alcohol-containing products and others in Texas.

Knowledge, Attitude and Self-Reported Performance and Challenges of Hand Hygiene Using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Among Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic at a Tertiary Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and ObjectiveUnderstanding and consistent hand hygiene practice by alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a cardinal step to stay safe from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to assess the self-reported level of knowledge, attitude, practice, and challenges to practice hand hygiene by alcohol-based hand sanitizers among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia.MethodsBetween April and June 2020, a questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using 96 study participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and described.ResultsAll of the study participants (96) were at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Most of the study participants were nurses (27) and pharmacists (21). Their mean age was 28.69±4.048 years. All of them were practicing different COVID-19 prevention methods. In this study, 95.8% of the respondents used alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The majority of the respondents were knowledgeable (93.8%), had a favorable attitude (74%), and good hand hygiene practices (76%) by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. However, 84.5% of the respondents were confronted with challenges during alcohol-based hand sanitizer use due to it is unavailable 66 (68.8%), expensive 50 (52.1%), forgetting 11 (11.5%), experiencing health-associated risks (skin irritation (28.1%), skin dryness (62.5%), ocular irritation (11.5%)), etc.ConclusionThe majority of respondents had good knowledge, attitude, and practices of alcohol-based hand sanitizer. But there were some items of their evaluation with relatively low scores that revealed some room for improvements. Additionally, the respondents reported various challenges. Therefore, to achieve and sustain changes, the hand hygiene promotion strategic plan needs a great concern.

18365 Allergenic ingredients in health care hand sanitizers: A practical guide for patients with occupational contact dermatitis

Background: Health care workers with occupational contact dermatitis often attribute their symptoms to frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Though contact allergy to hand sanitizers is relatively rare, avoidance of causative allergens is critical for affected patients. However, ingredient lists may be unobtainable and safe alternatives typically must accommodate brands utilized by a particular hospital system. This study sought to investigate allergens present within health care hand sanitizers and to provide a comprehensive product list to assist with allergen avoidance.

Awareness on Washing Hands to Prevent Spread of Disease Among Common People

Proper and regular hand hygiene can reduce the spread of infection in the family of children raised at home. Alcohol-based hand disinfectants usually eliminate viruses associated with systemic infections like respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. The study aimed to investigate a multicultural factor that focused on the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers to reduce the transmission of diseases at home and further education in hand hygiene. The study was conducted to raise awareness among the general public about the importance of hand washing to prevent the spread of the disease. The survey was conducted among the people in Chennai using a standard questionnaire. The sampling method in the present study was a convenient sampling method. The minimum bias for sampling is done based on selection criteria. Internal justification is a group of pairs, which can normalize the pattern with similar external credibility and exposure. Data is collected and aggregated. The results of this study relate to individual behavior and perception of hand washing. However, the commitment to hand washing is low and needs to be increased. Although self-reporting has increased in the community with hand washing in the community, it is suspected that there is still a risk of developing the disease.

Does the Fist Bump Transfer Less Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Than a Handshake?

Background: Contaminated hands are the most important source for transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings. It has been proposed that replacing the handshake with alternative greetings such as the fist bump might reduce the risk for pathogen transmission. Methods: In a cohort of 50 patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization, we compared the frequency of transfer of MRSA by handshake versus fist bump versus cruise tap (ie, a modified fist bump involving knuckle-to-knuckle contact with a single finger). MRSA-colonized patients performed each greeting with research personnel wearing sterile gloves, and cultures were obtained to determine the number of colonies transferred. Transfer by handshake was also assessed after MRSA-colonized patients used alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Quantitative cultures were obtained to compare the burden of MRSA on the palm versus dorsum of the hands of the MRSA carriers. Results: As shown in Fig. 1, there was a significant reduction in the frequency of MRSA transfer for the cruise tap compared to the handshake, but not for the fist bump. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer by MRSA carriers also significantly reduced the risk for transfer of MRSA. There was no significant difference in the burden of MRSA on the dorsum versus the palm of the hands (mean +SE colonies recovered, 32.7+12.3 vs 27.3+12.7; P &gt; .05). Conclusions: The fist-bump greeting did not transfer less MRSA than a handshake. However, transfer was significantly reduced by a cruise-tap greeting or by handshake after the use of hand sanitizer. Modified greetings and patient hand hygiene are potential strategies to reduce transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

A web-based health education module and its impact on the preventive practices of health-care workers duringthe COVID-19 pandemic.

Proper training on the preventive measures against COVID-19 among health-care workers is crucial for mitigating the spread of viral infection. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a brief web-based module on the practice of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette among respective health-care workers. A comparative study was conducted with a total of 500 participants. A self-reported questionnaire was used for both pre- and post-intervention evaluation. The post-intervention assessment was conducted 1–2 weeks following the intervention. The difference in the practice of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquettes during work hours was recorded. We found that the intervention resulted in an evident difference in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer by the participating doctors before examining the patient. Interns showed a much higher propensity to wash their hands for at least 20 s, relative to other health-care workers. The difference between pre- and post-intervention handwashing for >5 times/day was 6.5% in females and 4.5% in males. In short, the study was able to demonstrate that a web-based health education module is an effective tool for the education and promotion of preventative measures in hospital setups, which may ultimately aid in halting the spread of COVID-19 among health-care workers.

Cross-sectional study on the role of public awareness in preventing the spread of COVID-19 outbreak in India

BackgroundWHO has recommended personal hygiene (respiratory hygiene, using face masks, washing hands with warm water and soap, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, avoid touching mouth, eyes & nose, cleanliness), social...

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL (70%)-BASED HAND SANITIZER-INDUCED CONTACT DERMATITIS: A CASE REPORT AMID COVID-19

Indiscriminate use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers during the coronavirus-19 pandemic has led to adverse effects on the skin across&nbsp;the globe. We present the case of a 12-years-old child, who developed a skin rash on the dorsal aspect of the hands with overapplication&nbsp;of 70% isopropyl alcohol-based hand sanitizer. On examination, inflamed dark-colored skin with itching was noticed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Based on the history and examination, a diagnosis of “Isopropyl alcohol-based sanitizer-induced irritant contact dermatitis” was made.&nbsp;The application of offending sanitizer was immediately stopped. An improvement was seen 2 weeks after the application of topical&nbsp;corticosteroids and oral antihistamines. No re-challenge was subjected to the child. The Naranjo causality assessment score of six&nbsp;suggested probable association of adverse effect with the use of 70% isopropyl alcohol. It can be concluded that alcohol-based hand&nbsp;sanitization to be reserved for outdoor use, whereas only soap and water should be promoted to be used at home for sanitizing hands.&nbsp;The risk of adverse reactions can be minimized by following the manufacturer’s instructions and reducing the frequency of use of&nbsp;single hygiene products.