Washing your hands several times a day with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or sanitizing it with an alcohol-based disinfectants (solution or gel) is the best we can do to protect ourselves and others from the contagion of covid-19 (and also other diseases). This measure will continue to be part of our habits. So, alcohol-based disinfectants are now common in our homes, we carry bottles in the car, inside suitcases, anywhere, so they are close at hand whenever necessary. We must not forget that these disinfectants have alcohol (at least 70%) and, therefore, are flammable, irritating and toxic . It is essential to take special care with its use and storage , especially when there are children: Bottles of alcohol-based solution or gel should always be out of sight and reach of children. These products are flammable. So do not use it if you are going to stir something with a fire, for example if you are going to cook on the stove afterwards. Under these circumstances wash your hands with soap and water. Alcohol-based disinfectants are irritating to mucous membranes, for example, eyes, nose and mouth. So, whenever you sanitize your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant, let it dry very well before touching your face or any other part of your body or object. To increase the effectiveness of the disinfectant you should apply it with rubbing movements until your hands are dry. To minimize the effects of skin aggression caused by these disinfectants, moisturize your hands with an adequate cream. Alcohol-based disinfectants are toxic, cannot be inhaled or ingested. To reduce the risk of accidental ingestion, never place these products in unidentified containers. If you do not use the original packaging, always identify the bottles in which you place the disinfectant and so that the identification does not disappear. In case of accidental inhalation or ingestion, call the Centro de Informação Antivenenos - 800 250 250 . Always respect the disinfectant manufacturer information, namely the expiration date or time of use after first opening. If you have children , do not forget: Always prefer to wash their hands with soap and water. Teach them and explain them, using an approach adequate to their age, why they should do it. If it is necessary to wash their hands with alcohol-based disinfectants, do not leave them alone while doing so. Disinfection of equipment and other items: Alcohol-based disinfectants used for hand hygiene are intended only for skin disinfection (exclusive cutaneous use). Thus, they are not suitable for disinfecting equipment, such as mobile phones, as they have substances that can damage it. For the disinfection of equipment, the cleaning instructions of the product must always be followed. Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is as effective as cleaning with an alcohol-based solution or gel, always being the preferred option when hands are visibly dirty. Guideline from the Direção Geral da Saúde 007/2019 (Categoria IB) . Information prepared by the Pharmaceutical Services of Hospital da Luz Lisboa Click here for more information and advice of Hospital da Luz about COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavírus SARS-CoV-2 . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
