Hand sanitizer: hero and villain in times of Covid-19

In times of the Covid-19 pandemic, alcohol hand gel has become an ally in combating the novel coronavirus; however, at the same time, it can pose a risk to adults and, especially, children.

Extremely flammable, the flame from alcohol gel is colorless, unlike the liquid version. Therefore, when using it on your hands, you must wait for it to dry completely before approaching fire, lighting a stove, cigarette, barbecue grill, etc.

And during quarantine, with children at home full of energy to burn, precautions must be doubled. We are frequently asking and guiding children to clean their hands and forgetting that this is alcohol—very dangerous and capable of causing severe burns.

Tips from Dr. Fernando Amato:

- At home, opt to wash your hands with soap and water               ;

- If it is necessary to use alcohol gel, it is very important that an adult supervises children's hand hygiene;

- After applying alcohol gel to your hands, wait for it to dry before resuming activities."

“Burns are serious, and when they do not lead to death, they can cause lifelong scars,” says Dr. Amato.

*Dr. Fernando Amato is a plastic surgeon, full member of the Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica, member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), and of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

.