[Serafine]

Originally Posted by Love Bears All

I might be in a vast minority but I don't use anything on my skin that I would not put in my mouth.

Well, then that shouldn't rule out an ethanol (even 62%) hand sanitizer. That amount of ethanol (that is put on the hands) - even if it left a residue - would be the same or less than the amount in an herbal extract or a mixed drink.

BTW - I always find it funny that I am "debating" this particular side of things...considering we don't even own any hand sanitizer. But, I think it is important to flesh out facts, regardless of what I do personally.

---------- Post added at 07:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:06 PM ----------

Originally Posted by HummusDip

So hand sanitizer is antibac but not antiviral? what's the difference?

Sort-of...

VIruses are not "alive" b/c they cannot replicate outside a host. (Lots and lots of fun debate in the science world about what constitutes alive/not alive when it comes to viruses)...so "death" of a virus is actually simply inactivation.

It is true that some viruses are readily inactivated by alcohol; however, some are not. Viruses consist of nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) surrounded by a capsid (protein shell). Some viruses have an additional external layer or wrapping known as an envelope. The envelope is created from a piece of phospholipid membrane that comes from the infected host cell during the “budding” process when viral particles leave the infected cell. Enveloped viruses are referred to as lipophilic viruses, because of their lipid envelope, while nonenveloped viruses are referred to as non-lipophilic viruses.

Generally, enveloped (lipophilic) viruses are susceptible to alcohol: Herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza virus (Flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), vaccinia virus, Hepatitis B and C viruses are considered susceptible to alcohols.

However, certain nonenveloped (nonlipophilic) viruses such as hepatitis A and enteroviruses, which are both responsible for viral gastrointestinal infections. Depending on the alcohol concentration of the hand-cleanser and time of exposure to the alcohol, hepatitis A and other nonlipophilic viruses may not be eliminated.

Alcohol breaks down the envelope IF in high enough concentration (minimum 62%) and IF used for appropriate time of exposure (15-20 seconds minimum).