Question Hi,
I hope I'm finding you in the best of health.
I have 2 questions for you.
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, may I ask you questions concerning medical school?
Answer Jeff,
Most anti-bacterial gels contain alcohol as the active ingredient. It is usually de-natured alcohol to avoid consumption as an alcoholic beverage. This warning is to those that would "drink" this to get drunk. It evaporates killing 90%+ of germs this is very effective is most cases. Skin can absorb some into the system as well, so overuse of this product is ill advised. Once it evaporates it does not become a hazard if you were to touch food. Remember this warning is for those who would use the product for an unapproved use.
