Soap and hand sanitizer are quickly disappearing from store shelves amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic - hand sanitizer is the rarer find. But is one more effective than the other? We explain the importance of both here:
Which one should you buy?
If you're having trouble finding hand sanitizer and you only have soap, that's okay. You are not stuck with the inferior option.
Both soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective for eliminating coronaviruses. Both methods should disrupt the coating of the virus, while soap also helps to remove the virus mechanically.
If you're lucky enough to find a bottle of hand sanitizer, check the label and make sure it has at least 60 percent alcohol content. It's useful if you're on the go and don't have a sink nearby, although you shouldn't use it if your hands are dirty or greasy.
Antibacterial soap is a good choice, but really any kind of soap is good. If your hands become dry from frequent hand washing, use the hand lotion you are used to. If you have sensitive skin, you can look for products that are hypoallergenic.
Another good thing about the hard-to-find hand sanitizer:most have a moisturizing cream.
What about washing your face?
One of the most important things to do to protect yourself from the coronavirus is not to touch your face (especially your eyes, nose and mouth). But what if you need to wash your face? Whether to apply makeup and other facial products? Or floss?
It's still okay to do the necessary things with your face, but after you've thoroughly cleaned your hands.
You should perform hand hygiene before touching your face, including food and drink. Since many of us touch our faces without realizing it, try to keep track of where our hands are.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (especially after being in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing). When using hand sanitizer, cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Try to avoid touching as many surfaces as possible when you are in public. For example, keep your hands in your pockets when you are on the street. That way you minimize what you touch.
