Is using hand sanitizer just as effective as soap and water?

I have this thing with germs and I constantly wash my hands...but the only soap we have is bar soap in the bathroom and dish liquid. I use the dish liquid to wash my hands. My hands are always cracked and in pain. My dad says it's the water and not the soap. He says that the water takes the oil from my hands...but I think it's the soap. Anyways is hand sanitizer just as or more effective than soap or water? And which is better for the skin?





Thank you.Is using hand sanitizer just as effective as soap and water?
Hand sanitizer is normally alcohol based which means that it can be fairly harsh on your skin, but it's also antibacterial. You can get moisturizing varieties (germ-X is). I also know that in food preparation areas you are meant to wash your hands with soap and water and then use hand sanitizer.


Also you could use liquid hand soap with moisturizers. I use this and it keeps my hands feeling soft but also clean. The dish soap will be too harsh on your skin, I have really sensitive skin on my hands and I can't wash the dishes without putting rubber gloves on otherwise my hands will crack like yours.Is using hand sanitizer just as effective as soap and water?
Hand sanitizer is meant to be used when handwashing isn't practical. Hand sanitizer is supposedly very effective agains germs, pretty much as effective as soap, however you do need to wash your skin on a regular basis as well. And your Dad is right that the water is making your hands dry, also the time of year the cold weather affects dry skin as well.
Well to answer your question, often hand sanitizer is actually more effective than soap at killing germs, however it is not intended for everyday use and can dry out your skin. Practically, why not try a moiturize? Palmers, E45 and Vaseline are all good, even for sensitive skin and cheap.


But deeper, why is it you have a fear of germs? Is it an OCD? And you might need help for this, as if its becoming an issue, you may have a problem.





Good luck, I hope this helps ;)
It is mostly the soap causing the skin irritation, and yes hand sanitizer is more effective in getting rid of germs. But excessive use of hand sanitizer can cause more problems.





AND to fix the dry/cracked skin trying applying lotion 2-3 times a day. Around the same time you would have meals.
hand sanitizer gets rid of 99.9% of bacteria, the only problem there is that is kills all the good bacteria that are on you hands. believe it or not, but you need some of those bacteria bc they are the ones fighting off the bad ones when you get a cut or something. DO NOT use hand sanitizer.
Well, I wouldn't replace soap and water with hand sanitizer. Because hand sanitizer is basically alcohol, which is bad for your skin. So you should probably purchase actual hand soap, and to fix your current problem with your hands, get some good moisturizer.
hand sanitizers (as used in hospitals) are made of weak alcohol, alcohol such as ethanol is very good at killing bacteria and other harmful microbes etc (hence why its used in hospitals and sometimes to clean wounds), water and soap is obviously cheaper but hand sanitizer will kill more bacteria
He is right. it is the water. Water takes all the oils and whatnot from your hands. Hand sanitizer is pretty effective just not effective as water.
hand sanitizer contains alcohol wich kills pretty much everything
sanitizer kills more germs, but it doesn't remove debris. Just use soap and water, then use some lotion.
no.


soap and water cleans,


saniitizer sanitizes.