"FDA reviewed case reports submitted to FDA and cases from calls to US poison control centers of adverse events after applying alcohol-based hand sanitizers to the skin. While the majority of cases resulted in minor or minimal effects, some cases resulted in treatment by a health care professional," an FDA press release said.
The FDA explained in the release that common symptoms, including headache, nausea, and dizziness, typically result from fumes released by alcohol-based sanitizers.
26 January 2021, 22:30 GMT
Consumers should limit use of sanitizers to well-ventilated areas and to use soap and water when available, the FDA said.
"The best way to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of getting sick is by washing your hands frequently with plain soap and water for at least 20 seconds", it said.
Some 50 cases of serious adverse events have been identified after applying alcohol-based hand sanitizers, all reported after the coronavirus pandemic sent much of the US into lockdown mode in March 2020, the FDA added.
