Is it safe to use hand sanitizer on children?

The article was consulted professionally with Master, Doctor Phan Thi Cam Van - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way for children to get rid of bacteria. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used. So what should you pay attention to when using hand sanitizer for babies?

Washing with soap and water is best. Minimum hand wash time is 30 seconds and can be used at any temperature. Because cold water and warm water both have the same effect of killing pathogens.
Parents should apply the hand washing process issued by the Ministry of Health when washing their children's hands or guide them to follow each step of washing their hands properly as follows:
Step 1: Wet your palms with water, Take soap in your palm and rub your palms together.
Step 2: Use your fingers and palm to roll and rotate each finger of the other hand in turn and vice versa.
Step 3: Rub this palm on the back of the other hand and do the opposite.
Step 4: Rub your palms together, squeezing your fingers firmly between your fingers.
Step 5: Pinch the 5 fingertips of one hand to rub the palm of the other hand by rotating it back and forth.
Step 6: Rinse hands with soapy water under clean water, dry hands with a clean towel or paper.
Also, alcohol-based sanitizers can be used on young children as long as you handle them carefully: Use only a pea-sized amount and rub into children's hands until they are completely dry. do not attempt to lick or swallow, then store the bottle of hand sanitizer safely out of reach.
The alcohol content of most hand sanitizers is 60 to 70%. When giving children to use, parents must be very careful, otherwise children ingest or get into the eyes can lead to harmful reactions, depending on the extent that can cause disorders, conjunctivitis; more severe will lead to respiratory failure ...

Swallowing hand sanitizer can cause irritation such as nausea, contaminated digestive tract can cause minor burns in the intestinal wall.
In more severe cases, there may be symptoms such as: drowsiness or irritated eyes, take your baby to the nearest medical facility for first aid.

Some disinfectants use an ingredient called benzalkonium chloride (BAC). It has a longer effect than alcohol, so it is often used in hospitals. But this is not the best option for home use because BAC can cause skin and eye irritation, and even small amounts can be toxic. Furthermore, bacteria can become resistant over time.
Some brands rely solely on essential oils to kill bacteria. Those that use thyme, oregano, or lemon oils may fight some bacteria, but these oils are also skin irritants.

Using alcohol-free hand sanitizer also increases bacteria, because alcohol-free hand sanitizer does not contain alcohol. Alcohol is the main ingredient to kill bacteria to prevent disease and protect children's health. It is best not to use alcohol-free hand sanitizer.
For children to be healthy and develop well, it is necessary to have a nutritious diet in terms of quantity and quality balance. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients, which adversely affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills. Parents should supplement their children with supporting products containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your child. Take care of the baby and the whole family.

Reference source: babycenter.com