DrCura
@abubakerjameel
352 Following
313 Followers
Out of Onchain and Web 3:
Today (4/6/2025) is a big day for me, an achievement that took me 10years, I got my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree today(MBBS)!
From late-night study sessions to early-morning hospital rounds, from exams to electives, every moment has been a stepping stone to this achievement. I'm grateful for the friends I've made, the mentors who guided me, and the patients who taught me more than any textbook ever could.
As I embark on this new chapter, I'm reminded that being a doctor is not just a profession, but a calling – to serve, to heal, and to make a difference in people's lives. 3 replies
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Research Article: Comparative Efficacy of Alcohol-Based Sanitizers and Dettol Antiseptic Soap in Hand Hygiene Practices.
1.Abstract:
Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of infection prevention, significantly reducing pathogen transmission in diverse settings. This study evaluates the effectiveness of alcohol-based sanitizers and Dettol antiseptic soap, delineating their respective strengths and limitations. By analyzing their antimicrobial properties and practical applications, this article aims to guide optimal hand hygiene practices based on contextual needs and pathogen profiles.
2.Introduction:
The spread of infectious diseases underscores the importance of robust hand hygiene protocols. Alcohol-based sanitizers and antiseptic soaps, such as Dettol, are widely adopted for their germ-killing capabilities. However, their efficacy varies depending on the nature of contamination and environmental constraints. This article provides a comparative analysis of these two modalities to inform evidence-based hygiene practices.
3.Materials and Methods:
This study synthesizes data from microbiological studies, hygiene guidelines, and practical use scenarios. Alcohol-based sanitizers (containing 60–80% ethanol or isopropanol) and Dettol antiseptic soap (containing chloroxylenol) were evaluated for their antimicrobial spectrum, speed of action, and effectiveness under varying conditions, such as visible soiling. Data were drawn from peer-reviewed literature and public health recommendations to ensure reliability.
4.Alcohol-Based Sanitizers:
4.a.Advantages:
Alcohol-based sanitizers demonstrate rapid antimicrobial activity, eliminating most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as enveloped viruses, within 15–30 seconds. Their portability and waterless application make them indispensable in settings like hospitals, public transport, or remote areas where water is scarce. Their ease of use encourages compliance in high-frequency scenarios.
4.b.Limitations:
These sanitizers are less effective against non-enveloped viruses (e.g., norovirus) and spore-forming bacteria (e.g., Clostridium difficile). Their efficacy diminishes on heavily soiled hands, as organic matter can shield pathogens from the alcohol’s denaturing effects. Prolonged use may also lead to skin dryness, potentially reducing user adherence.
5.Dettol Antiseptic Soap:
5.a.Advantages:
Dettol soap, when used with water, effectively removes a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, some viruses, and fungi, through both chemical action (via chloroxylenol) and mechanical removal of debris. It excels in scenarios involving visibly soiled hands, where the physical scrubbing enhances pathogen elimination.
5.b.Limitations:
Compared to sanitizers, Dettol soap requires water and longer application time (typically 40–60 seconds), making it less practical for rapid disinfection. Frequent use may cause skin irritation or dryness, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.
6.Discussion:
Alcohol-based sanitizers are optimal for quick, waterless disinfection, particularly when hands are not visibly dirty. Their rapid action and broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria make them ideal for healthcare workers or individuals in transient environments. Conversely, Dettol soap, paired with water, offers superior cleaning for soiled hands, leveraging mechanical action to dislodge dirt and pathogens that sanitizers cannot address effectively. The choice between these methods hinges on situational factors, such as access to water, the degree of hand soiling, and the target pathogens. For instance, in outbreak scenarios involving norovirus, soap and water are recommended over sanitizers due to the latter’s limited efficacy against non-enveloped viruses.
7.Conclusion:
Both alcohol-based sanitizers and Dettol antiseptic soap are vital tools in hand hygiene, each with distinct advantages. Sanitizers provide rapid, convenient disinfection for clean hands, while Dettol soap ensures thorough cleaning when hands are soiled or when targeting a broader range of pathogens. A hybrid approach—using sanitizers for convenience and soap for thorough cleaning—offers the most comprehensive strategy for infection prevention. Public health campaigns should emphasize context-specific use to maximize efficacy and compliance.
8.Keywords:
Hand hygiene, alcohol-based sanitizers, Dettol antiseptic soap, antimicrobial efficacy, infection prevention.
9.References:
1. World Health Organization. (2009). WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hand Hygiene Recommendations.
3. Kampf, G., & Kramer, A. (2004). Epidemiologic background of hand hygiene and evaluation of the most important agents for scrubs and rubs. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 17(4), 863–893.
4. Dettol Product Information. (2023). Reckitt Benckiser Group. 0 reply
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