Handwashing vs alcohol hand sanitizers

OK, ok, ok, I know. You've had it beaten into your head since day one. Handwashing! Some days, I think I'll scream if that is the answer to one more question....... And now we're seeing those alcohol-based hand sanitizers everywhere as well.

A few fun facts:

Many places are using hand sanitizer because nurses aren't in compliance with handwashing directives. What does that mean? It means that too many nurses are either making bad hygiene decisions or are too rushed off their feet. Poor hygiene by choice in a client-contact situation isn't defendable, but we can fix that one ourselves. There are students in the pipeline who will hopefully relieve a little of the nursing shortage, but I don't see understaffing problems going away any time soon......

The National Fire Protection Association bans these hand-sanitizer dispensers from being hung in hallways that lead to exits. The darn things are flammable thanks to all that alcohol.

Oh, and the alcohol itself...... apparently it's just one more thing for addicts to try to steal! With a 70% alcohol content, I guess it appeals to some drinkers, but wow, does it seem like a dangerous way to go. I don't know how widespread this problem is - do any of you have stories from your workplaces on this?

Here's a better story - the successful use of an anti-microbial hand sanitizer (non-alcohol-based) in the treatment of multiple-drug resistant bacteria on a paraplegic gentleman with stage IV decubitous ulcers
http://www.orthosupersite.com/view.asp?rID=33734

If you're using an alcohol-based sanitizer, keep rubbing your hands until it is dry instead of spreading the stuff onto your hands and letting it dry without rubbing.

If your employer can be persuaded to use a sanitizer with an emollient in it, it's very likely that your hands will thank you for it. The frequency of washing or applying alcohol to our skin at work can make it very drying, to say the least......


And a few articles:

Soap and Water Washing Beats Alcohol Rubs, Antiseptic Wipes for Removing C Difficile


Hand Washing: An Easy Way to Prevent Infection (Mayo Clinic, geared more towards the public, but useful)

Alcohol Rubs vs Antiseptic Soap to Reduce Contamination (AFP)

Take care!