Can you use disinfecting wipes on skin? In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people are understandably concerned about the spread of the virus. Disinfecting wipes have become a popular tool for cleaning everything from kitchen counters to doorknobs. However, some people may wonder whether it’s safe to use disinfecting wipes on their skin. In this blog post, we’ll explore this question in more detail.
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1. Disinfecting wipes are not safe for skin
Disinfecting wipes are widely used to clean high-touch areas like bathrooms, public transportation and locker rooms. These wipes are also great for hospitals, emergency care centers, and schools.
Disinfecting wet tissue wipes wipes are designed with harsh ingredients such as bleach, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride and didecyldimethylammonium chloride to work effectively on many surfaces.
So, “Can you use disinfecting wipes on skin?” Disinfecting wipes are not intended for use on skin or hands. They contain chemicals that can be unsafe when applied to the skin, especially in children. It is important to wear gloves and wash hands after using disinfecting wipes.
If you have dirt, grime or other gross stuff on your hands and there is soap and water nearby, wash your hands. This gets rid of germs and bacteria if you wash correctly.
When you cannot wash your hands, use hand sanitizer or wipes. These products kill germs without stripping away the skin’s natural oil barrier. This allows for a clean feeling without harsh ingredients.
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2. Risks of using disinfecting wipes on the skin
Now you know disinfecting wipes are not skin-friendly; they are intended for use on surfaces, not on skin. But, the question is what if you use disinfecting wipes on skin. Depending on the chemicals in the wipes and the condition of your skin, consider some of these different problems such as skin irritation, contact dermatitis.
2.1 These wipes can cause skin irritation
Most disinfecting wipes contain common ingredients such as:
- Bleach
- Ammonium chloride
- Alcohol
The above ingredients are known to cause skin irritation: itching, dryness and redness. Even if you’re not allergic to these substances, there’s a strong chance your skin will react poorly anyway. This is especially relevant for people with existing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
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2.2 You might face contact dermatitis
Can you use disinfecting wipes on your face? The use of disinfecting wipes on your face can cause contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a type of an allergic reaction occurring when your skin comes into contact with certain substances, most commonly associated with fragrances, solvents and preservatives.
Disinfectant wipes may contain preservatives that can cause contact dermatitis. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed above, you may experience dry, itchy skin or rashes. A skin barrier can also be damaged if you are exposed to these chemicals over a long period of time.
When cracked skin is more susceptible to germs, bacteria and other microorganisms. To avoid this problem, use only wipes approved by the FDA for use on human skin.
3. How to use disinfecting wipes in a correct way
Although the answer to the question, “Can you use disinfecting wipes on hands?” is no, there are safer ways to use disinfecting wipes as suggested below:
- Limit disinfecting to areas that are more likely to become contaminated, such as toilets, doorknobs, and other high-risk surfaces.
- Before disinfecting, clean hard surfaces with soap or other cleaning solutions. This allows to remove dirt and grime first so that the disinfectant can work more effectively
- Keep disinfecting wipes away from your children. It is essential to prevent accidental ingestion. Instead, skin-friendly wipes can be a better alternative to clean hands, face, or other body parts that come into contact with your baby’s mouth.
4. Which wipes are skin-friendly?
If you do need to disinfect your skin, there are safer alternatives to disinfecting wipes. Here are some wet wipes that are safe for your skin.
- Baby wipes: Designed for the delicate skin of babies and toddlers, this product is safe for use on bottoms, hands and faces.
- Antibacterial hand wipes: Hand sanitizers are designed to kill bacteria on hands, and some products contain moisturizing ingredients.
- Flushable wipes: Adult wet wipes are made with effective cleansing formulas that are safe to use on the skin.
Note: No matter which brand of wipes you use, look for formulas that contain skin-friendly ingredients.
For example, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands. These sanitizers are designed to be gentle on skin while still killing germs and viruses. You can also use soap and water to clean your skin, which is a safe and effective way to reduce the spread of germs. .
The best way to choose the right wipe formula is to check the product label, which you will find in the wipes manufacturer‘s packaging. All products are required by law to include an ingredients list, safety warnings, and instructions on proper use.
5. Which wet wipes are not safe for your skin?
Can you use disinfecting wipes on skin? The answer is no. So which specific disinfecting wipes are not safe for your skin? Here is a list of products that are not safe to use on your skin:
- Disinfecting wipes (bathroom, kitchen, or surface wipes): Disinfectants are designed to kill bacteria and other kinds of germs. Therefore, they contain harsh ingredients which are not meant for your skin. . After using kitchen disinfecting wipes (or any other disinfectant), remember to wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Do not chew on or swallow a wipe, or drink any fluid found at the bottom of a disinfecting wipe container.
- Lens wipes (glasses, cameras, or phone screens): Lens wipes are made with chemicals that can irritate skin. They are commonly used to clean hard surfaces like eyeglasses, sunglasses and camera lenses. After using a pre-moistened lens wipe, always wash your hands. This will remove any residue that may lead to irritation or dermatitis.
- Any wipe containing bleach or other harsh chemicals: Bleach is a powerful chemical that kills germs, viruses, and so on. It’s ideal for disinfecting hard surfaces. But if it isn’t diluted correctly or stays on the skin too long, it can be counterproductive. That’s because bleach can lead to surface damage and skin irritation. And in some cases, it can also trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
6. Conclusion: Can you use disinfecting wipes on skin?
The following is the conclusion to the question “Can you use disinfecting wipes on skin?” Disinfectant wipes are not safe for skin contact. Their harsh ingredients can lead to skin irritation, contact dermatitis, and rashes.
Avoid disinfecting wipes to clean your hands, face, or other body parts. Instead, reach for skin-friendly sanitizing wipes. These wipes are formulated to be gentle on human skin while killing germs.
Hopefully this article has provided the information you need to answer the question, “Can you use disinfecting wipes on skin?” The answer is no. Disinfecting wipes are not designed for human skin. Therefore, keep in mind to choose products that are specifically designed for human skin protection. If you have any further questions, please contact us.
Dong Hiep Trading and Investment Joint Stock Company:
- Website: https://dhti.vn/en/
- Representative office: 69B Thuy Ke, Thuy Khe Subdistrict, Tay Ho District, Ha Noi
- Manufacturing plant: CN7, Tu Liem Industrial Cluster, Minh Khai Subdistrict, Bac Tu Liem District, Ha Noi
- Hotline: (84-24) 3716 0270
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