What to Know about Rubbing Alcohol

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Rubbing alcohol, particularly in the form of ABHRs, is a highly effective and well-tolerated antiseptic for hand hygiene and infection control. Its use is supported by numerous studies demonstrating its efficacy in reducing bacterial counts and preventing infections, as well as its minimal impact on skin health. As such, ABHRs are a valuable tool in both healthcare and other settings where hygiene is paramount.

Rubbing alcohol, commonly used in healthcare settings, is a versatile antiseptic known for its effectiveness in hand hygiene and surface disinfection. This article explores various aspects of rubbing alcohol, including its tolerance among different populations, its effectiveness in reducing infections, and its impact on skin health.

Tolerance Among Different Populations

A study investigated the tolerance of alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) among atopic (prone to allergies) and non-atopic individuals. The results showed that both groups tolerated the hand rubs well, with no significant difference in skin redness or irritation compared to a negative control1. This suggests that ABHRs are generally safe for use among individuals with sensitive skin.

Effectiveness in Reducing Infections

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of ABHRs in reducing bacterial counts and preventing infections. For instance, a clinical trial comparing six different ABHRs found that products containing emollients were well-tolerated and did not cause significant skin dryness, which is crucial for user compliance2. Another study highlighted that ABHRs are effective in reducing bacterial counts on hands, making them a reliable option for pre-surgical hand antisepsis5 7.

Comparison with Traditional Handwashing

Research comparing ABHRs with traditional handwashing methods has shown that ABHRs can be as effective, if not more so, in certain settings. For example, a study comparing an alcohol-based hand rub with a water-based chlorhexidine gluconate scrub technique found no significant difference in bacterial colony counts, suggesting that ABHRs are a viable alternative for pre-surgical hand antisepsis5. Another study in ophthalmic surgery also supported the superior efficacy of alcohol rubs over traditional scrubbing methods7.

Impact on Skin Health

The impact of ABHRs on skin health has been a topic of interest, especially given the frequent use of these products in healthcare settings. A study comparing the skin irritation caused by gel and spray formulations of ABHRs found that both formulations were generally safe for regular use, with only mild skin irritation observed9. Another study emphasized the importance of emollients in ABHRs to prevent skin dryness and irritation, which can affect user compliance2.

Special Considerations in Different Settings

The use of ABHRs in various settings, such as military deployments and equine hospitals, has also been explored. A study among French military troops deployed in Africa found that while ABHRs were widely used, handwashing with soap remained the most significant protective factor against diarrhea3. In equine hospitals, ABHRs were found to be as effective as traditional scrubbing techniques for pre-surgical hand antisepsis, highlighting their versatility5 8.