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Bactericidal or virucidal gel? Pick the good one!

The disinfectant gels are the order of the day. These hygiene products have become a trend in just the couple of months in which the disease of the coronavirus all over the planet. The main brands of its manufacturers have become popular while new ones have emerged due to the high demand. However, what neither the government nor the media have reported is if it is bactericidal or virucidal gel. The first does not work against the Covid-19. In this article we clarify this well so that you know how to buy the really useful one and you can protect yourself well, without falling into ignorance. Surely after reading this, you review the label the one you have at home. Pay attention because you health is at stake!

High demand and ignorance

Before addressing the crux of the matter and answering all your doubts regarding the bactericidal or viricidal gel, we put you a bit in context of these products. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended its use as a measure of prevention and hygiene moreover, purchases by citizens has not stopped growing. Already at the beginning of the alarm state in Spain supermarkets and pharmacies were quickly sold out. Then came the shortage for days and even weeks at the points of sale, from the largest to the smallest format. Everyone wanted to stock up on it. disinfectant liquidregardless of the information on the label. The important thing was to have someone in that trade war that Covid-19 had unleashed.

This product has already invaded the beauty and cosmetics sector and even other industries such as wineries or distilleries of alcoholic beverages have joined its production. The stores online as prestigious as Amazon o Ali Express have not been left behind in the huge sale of the hydro-alcoholic gel. As its high demand progressed, with it the Prices until exorbitant amounts are paid. In addition, on most occasions under the ignorance of what its true effects were.

bactericidal or viricidal gel
Different brands and formats of gels / Photo: Iván Sevilla

What are these gels really for?

Without replacing the action of washing hands well - scrubbing with soap for at least 20 seconds, according to the health authorities- these disinfectant gels are antiseptics for healthy skin. This means that they should not be used as substitutes to remove dirt, but their function is to combat germs For this main reason, bactericidal or viricidal gel it is frequently found in hospitals. Usually at the entrance to the rooms of patients who usually receive visitors. Both when entering and leaving, it is recommended to pour a little of the product because in these places there may be a greater amount of pathogens.

However, outside of health centers, not all freezes they have the same powers to end bacteria, fungi and viruses. Therefore, you should carefully read the labeled of said product before you buy it. What do you have to pay attention to? We'll tell you then!

Aniosgel gel labeling
Labeling of the French brand Aniosgel where it informs that it is virucidal / Photo: Iván Sevilla

Check if it is bactericidal or virucidal gel

It is more than clear that now we are interested in combating the happy coronaviruses, so you should check well if you use bactericidal or viricidal gel. The former only works against bacteria, but not against bacteria particles! Covid-19! Sieira Sea -pharmacist and founder of the skin care firm Sarah Becquer- explains that "70% of alcohol is bactericidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal and virucidal, including CMV, HIV, and HBV, but does not act on spores." Therefore, it would not do. This is the first thing you have to read in the information on the package.

In the absence of such relevant data -there are some very sold brands such as Stan Home o Anian that do not specify it - you can go to the composition in ethanol. "It has a stronger viricidal activity than other compounds such as propanols", he clarifies sieira. Of course, this effect against known viruses so far works better if it contains a high percentage. Also check this aspect in the gel labeling to use the one that actually acts. Otherwise, it won't do you any good.

bactericidal or virucidal gel label
Gel Stan Home without specifying if it is virucidal or contains ethanol / Photo: Iván Sevilla

If you look in detail at the main image of this text, where different types and brands of bactericidal or virucidal gel, you can see that the data they offer is not the same in all cases. Always look in the product for the registration number of the AEMPS (Agency for the Evaluation of Medicines and Health Products). This way you also make sure that it is authorized to sanitize your hands. If you do not find information about the three keys that we have mentioned, their effectiveness is in question. Be aware of what you buy!

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