Heavy use of hand disinfectants can increase antibiotic resistance

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, scientists and governments have been advising people about the best hygiene practices to protect themselves. This advice has led to a significant increase in the sale and use of detergents and hand sanitizers. Unfortunately, these instructions rarely contain information on how to use them responsibly or on the consequences of misuse.

But as with antibiotic abuse, excessive use of detergents and hand sanitizers can result in antibiotic resistance in bacteria. There is concern that the sudden overuse of detergents and hand sanitizers during the pandemic could lead to an increase in the number of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. This would put more strain on our already stricken health systems and possibly lead to more deaths. In addition, the problem could persist long after the current pandemic ends.