Hand Sanitizers May Cause Allergic Reactions

Hand Sanitizers May Trigger Allergic Reactions

Hand sanitizers, which have become more prevalent in our lives with the Covid-19 pandemic, can cause allergic reactions. Prof. Dr. Füsun Kalpaklıoğlu, Vice President of the Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association (AİD), stated that "even in naturally labeled varieties of disinfectants, the fragrances and botanical extracts they contain can cause irritation and increase allergy risk, which is why fragrance-free products should be preferred."

Hand sanitizers, which have been used more frequently with the pandemic, have been frequently recommended recently due to the fact that the Covid-19 Omicron variant survives on plastic surfaces for extended periods and spreads rapidly. The fact that hand sanitizers cause allergic reactions in some people has brought the issue of being careful when choosing and using disinfectants back into focus.

Referring to the results of a study conducted in the United States on this subject, Prof. Dr. Füsun Kalpaklıoğlu, Vice President of the Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association (AİD), stated: "In this study, 160 hand sanitizers were examined and it was found that 71% contained at least one allergenic substance. In fact, even sanitizers labeled as 'hypoallergenic' were found to contain at least one allergen in 70% of cases.

The study found that approximately 40% of sanitizers labeled as 'fragrance-free' contained fragrance, while products labeled 'paraben-, sulfate-, phthalate-, and dye-free' were also found to contain other allergens that could cause skin reactions in sensitive consumers.

While all disinfectants contain active ingredients such as isopropyl or ethyl alcohol, most disinfectants also include moisturizers. The fragrance of the moisturizer can be allergenic, while tocopherol or vitamin E it contains may have allergenic potential, albeit low. Even 'natural products' preferred by conscious consumers can be irritating due to their extremely sensitive fragrances and the botanical extracts they contain, or may increase the risk of allergic reactions."

Fragrance-Free Products Should Be Preferred

Prof. Dr. Füsun Kalpaklıoğlu, noting that people with allergic predisposition should be careful when using hand sanitizers, stated: "Products that can cause skin reactions should be avoided and fragrance-free sanitizers should be preferred."