A suggestion to carry out ‘self-sanitization’ for coronavirus prevention
A suggestion to carry out ‘self-sanitization’ for coronavirus prevention
  • 한정선 기자(향장학 박사) (fk0824@k-health.com)
  • 승인 2020.03.09 09:43
  • 댓글 0
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The whole world is aching from sickness due to the emergence of the ‘CC.’ This CC does not refer to the popular term, ‘Campus Couple,’ which was our dream during our college years but to ‘Coronavirus,’ which has brought forth a war against a virus.

As prevention is the best alternative in the current situation where no clear cure exists, there are plenty of reasons to risk one’s life to secure the ‘management of personal hygiene.’

 

Due to such circumstances, a crisis in which masks and hand sanitizers have become scarce has occurred and we are now at a point where these products are being bought at expensive prices.

In such dire situation, is there no way to actively prevent the coronavirus through ‘self-sanitization?’

 

CARD 1. Hand sanitizer is not a panacea

No matter how much hand washing is emphasized to prevent contagion, it is not enough.

According to the research materials from CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although hand sanitizers do help in reducing the amount of germs and bacteria, they do not eliminate all types of bacteria.

 

CARD 2. The most economic prevention measure is ‘hand washing’

In order to actually get rid of specific viruses such as the cryptosporidium, norovirus, and clostridium difficile 1-5, washing your hands with soap and water is much more effective.

Washing your hands with soap works as a surfactant and cleanly eliminates germs and viruses along with the dust and other impurities from your hands.

Hand washing is most efficient if you wash for more than 30 seconds because this not only establishes a sanitary environment in your hands but also is the most economic prevention measure.

 

CARD 3. Hand sanitizers are effective only if the alcohol percentage is over 60%

hand sanitizer we commonly use is meant to get rid of the contagious substances that remain in our hands.

In order to efficiently prevent contagion, products with at least 60% to 95% of alcohol should be used. The recommended amount of hand sanitizer for 1 usage is around 2.4~4ml.

In particular, hand sanitizers with more than 70% of ethyl alcohol are reported to remove 99.9% of bacteria under 30 seconds~1minute after being applied.

However, because there have been research results reporting that alcohol removes the sebum in the outer skin layer and damages the skin barrier, products with small quantities of glycerin or aloe vera which improve skin protection through moisturization should be used.

 

CARD 4. Hand sanitizers cannot replace hand washing

Furthermore, by adding natural essential oil, you can anticipate an increase in antimicrobial effects and skin calming effects through the offsetting of the strong alcohol smell.

When you use a hand sanitizer, you can realize the expected sanitizing effects only if you rub between your fingers, under the fingernails, wrists, and underarms for at least 30 seconds.

However, hand sanitizers are recommended only when you cannot wash your hands with a soap or cleaning agent. Therefore, you should remember that a hand sanitizer cannot be a substitute for washing your hands.

We have now organized tips and know-hows to easily carry out self-sanitization in our daily lives.

 

CARD 5. How to make a water cleaning agent by yourself

[Procedure]

-Fill 1/2 of a measuring cup with liquid soap base.

-Fill 1/2 of a measuring cup with purified water and mix them.

-According to your preference, if you desire additional antimicrobial effects, add either tea tree or clove oil. If your skin is sensitive, add around 8~10 drops of chamomile or lavender oil.

-If your hand is dry, add glycerin of around 10% of the total amount of the cleaning agent.

-Pour the mixture into a pump container and use it constantly.

 

•Liquid soap base or aroma oil can be easily purchased on the internet.

•In case you go outdoors, soap papers can also be a convenient and good method. If you do not have any soap papers, it is also okay to grate a soap with a grater and carry an appropriate amount around with you.

 

CARD 6. How to make a hand sanitizer by yourself

[Procedure]

- Fill up 2/3 of a measuring cup with alcohol

-Fill up 1/3 of a measuring cup with aloe vera gel and mix them.

-According to your preference, if you desire additional antimicrobial effects, add either tea tree or clove oil. If your skin is sensitive, add around 8~10 drops of chamomile or lavender oil (can skip).

-Pour the mixture into a pump container and use it constantly.

 

CARD 7. How to make a sanitizer spray by yourself

[Procedure]

-Fill 2/3 of a measuring cup with distilled water.

-Fill 1/3 of a measuring cup with vinegar and mix them.

-Mix 10~15 drops of essential oil which provides antimicrobial effects (can skip).

-Pour the mixture into a portable spray bottle and constantly spray or clean your home, work office, and furniture.

 


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