'Don't Overuse Sanitisers,' Says Health Ministry Official; Know What Are Its Side-Effects & How To Avoid Them

Sanitisers have undeniably become the most important thing in to protect ourselves during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, several reports and experts have said that the overuse of sanitisers can lead to skin problems.

(Representative Image/ Getty)

Coronavirus in India: As India is gradually unlocking its economic sectors amid unabated rise in its Coronavirus tally, the dependence of people on sanitisers has also risen. A top official of Health Ministry has asked people to keep washing hands rigorously to protect themselves from the contagion, but at the same time sounded a warning against overdoing sanitizers. Dr RK Verma, Additional Director-General of Health Services, Ministry of Health has said that people should avoid overuse of sanitisers. “These are unprecedented times, no one thought that a virus outbreak, of this nature, will occur. Use masks to protect yourself, drink hot water frequently and wash hands rigorously. Don't overuse sanitizers,” said Verma. Harms of over-using sanitisers Sanitisers have undeniably become the most important thing in to protect ourselves during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, several reports and experts have said that the overuse of sanitisers can lead to skin problems. As per reports, hand sanitisers, which are effective in killing bacteria, can also go on to disrupt micro biomes and also kill good bacteria that keep the skin healthy. Sanitisers can also make hands incredibly dry leading to several dermatitis-like conditions. Citing experts, news agency IANS reported that people have also encountered skin issues like severe dryness, burning, and redness of the skin along with cracked or bleeding skin. Things to keep in mind while using sanitisers. Limited use: Limited use of hand-sanitisers can help in combating the hand dermatitis problems. For this, avoid touching unnecessary objects when stepping out. Moisturisers and ointments: In case your hands go dry or sensitive or you start to develop cracks on your skin after using hand sanitisers, it is advised to opt for moisturizers with healing properties. Soap: It is advisable to wash hands again and again with soap and water to prevent infection of coronavirus. Skin-friendly soaps can be preferred over harsh ones. Soaps not only are more effective in killing germs but are also not as harmful as sanitisers. WATCH | J&K: Doctor treating BJP leader Ravindra Raina sings song, video goes viral