Someone you know has perma-grime hands. They are always getting into something, making a mess, digging into a project and getting dirty. They do things that always put grime, whether visible or not, on their hands. This might be kids using a shared toy or a businessperson opening the door at their 4,000 employee office building. Whatever the case, they have perma-grime. So what can be done about germ covered, Perma-Grime Hands?

An antibacterial is an agent that interferes with the growth and reproduction of bacteria. Although both antibiotics and antibacterials attack bacteria, they have different purposes today. Antibacterials are most commonly used to disinfect surfaces and eliminate potentially harmful bacteria. While antibiotics are used as medicines for humans or animals, antibacterials are not; they are found in products such as hand soaps and antibacterial hand gels, detergents, health and skincare products, and household cleaners that kill household bacteria.

There are short-term antibacterials and longer-term antibacterials. Short-term germ-fighting products include those containing alcohols, chlorine, and peroxides. These are usually found in household cleaners, but can also be found in hand sanitizers. Long term products include fluorides and other antibacterial agents, which can protect from germs for hours after use.

Antibacterials are very efficient in killing bacteria. The non-residue producing agents have been used for many years to be effective agents in controlling disease organisms. The residue-producing agents can also be very effective if they are used under strict guidelines of application.

When used as directed for external surfaces, antibacterial agents are relatively non-toxic. Some, however, may cause skin and eye irritation and all can be very dangerous when not used as directed.

Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is suggested by the Centers for Disease Control as a method to reduce the risk of common colds, flus, and is especially effective for swine flu prevention. Antibacterial hand gel is one form of hand sanitizer, while hand sanitizer can also be found in a convenient spray bottle. Spray bottle hand sanitizer works great for people who don’t find themselves near sinks often, or who can’t take the time to have gel applied to their hands and rub it in (insert children’s names here).

Hand soap is another important thing to consider when fighting germs on perma-grime hands. Antibacterial hand soaps can include the ingredients above as well as triclosan, tetrasodium, and chloroxylenol, which work as antibacterial as well as deodorizing agents.