(Image source from: Hand Sanitizer blinds a 6-year-old)

Can hand sanitizer blind you? In a shocking incident in UAE, a 6-year-old boy went blind by one eye after hand sanitizer accidentally got into his eye.

A resident of Tunisia, the boy lost his vision owing to chemical burns caused by the sanitizer. This incident has raised doubts on the potential hazards of hand sanitizers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nothing eliminates germs better than a soapy rinse. In case of unavailability, alcohol-based sanitizers step up as the next best option. However, CDC cautioned that these hand sanitizers aren't completely effective in killing germs of all types.

Talking on this, Dr Ashraf El Houfi, chair of the Infection Control Department at Dubai Hospital warned, “A sanitizer is complimentary to hand washing; it should not replace hand washing.”

“Like any other disinfectant, the product should be used with caution, especially by children. If any product gets into the eyes, the area must be washed with plain water immediately, and followed up with medical attention,” he cautioned.

Commenting on the importance and utility of hand sanitizers, Leon Vercueil, senior brand manager from Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser Middle East, said, “Hand sanitizers are at least as effective as hand wash and are the best way to sanitize ‘on the go’. Ensure to keep product away from your eyes and mouth, and closely supervise children during use to keep them safe while using hand sanitizers.”

Image Source: Hand Sanitizer Blinds Boy

AW: Suchorita Dutta