Expert: Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr. - 5/9/2006

Question
Hi,
I hope I'm finding you in the best of health.
I saw places like Crabtree&Evelyn sell antibacterial gels that you can use
without water. You just put it on your hands on rub it in. It says on the bottle
if the gel goes in your mouth, contact poison center immediately. My question
is:If it's poisonous for the mouth, then once you apply it to your skin and eat
something, you still have it on your hands and may eat some of it[why would the
gel be leaving anywhere.It would stay on your hands].Why isn't it poisonous
now(after you apply it to your skin)?Is this type of product safe?How does it
work?Thank you.
Also, can I ask you questions about medical school?

Answer
I would need to see the actual ingredient list and instructions to answer you properly.  Many of these products have instructions that say to wipe the gel off after use.  I suspect that the mouth warning is an overkill for when a little kid drinks half a bottle.  The theory is that the little bit that would normally be transfered to food would not be a problem.  As far as the actual ingredient, I would need to see the list.  But think of this, antibacterial means that it KILLS bacteria (living things).  If it will KILL bacteria, enough of it would at least be unpleasant for a person.  We have to remember that with all such products.  Wiping your hands after use is always a good idea.