Question

Brenda works long hours, and because she comes into close contact with so many clients, she is careful to keep her hands clean throughout the day. As her schedule is always quite full, this often means using hand sanitizer instead of soap and water. Which of the following is an issue Brenda is MOST LIKELY to face as a result of this?

a) hands that are dry to the point of cracking

b) sore, red, and watery eyes

c) lapses in short- and long-term memory and recognition

d) shortness of breath

Answer 1

Frequent use of hand sanitizer instead of soap and water is likely to (a) lead to dry and potentially cracked hands. Brenda should use moisturizer to mitigate this effect and continue to use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content when soap and water are unavailable.

Step-by-step explanation:

The issue Brenda is most likely to face as a result of frequently using hand sanitizer instead of soap and water is hands that are dry to the point of cracking. Hand sanitizers often contain alcohol, which can be very drying to the skin, especially with repeated use.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends thorough handwashing with soap and warm water as the best practice for removing pathogens. However, when soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative. Brenda should consider using a moisturizer to prevent her hands from becoming too dry.