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Hand sanitiser has become an essential part of our daily routine, especially as cold and flu season approaches. We all know the importance of keeping our hands clean to prevent the spread of germs, but did you know that the concept of hand hygiene has ancient origins? In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating history of hand sanitisation, from its beginnings to the advanced products we rely on today.
Ancient Beginnings: The Roots of Hygiene
The practice of hand cleansing dates back thousands of years. Ancient Babylonians used early forms of handwashing as a way to remove impurities, dating back to around 2000 BCE. Similarly, Ayurvedic texts in India also mention the use of herbs and ashes for cleansing, highlighting the importance of hygiene long before modern science recognised its significance.
The Groundbreaking Discovery of Ignaz Semmelweis
In the mid-19th century, Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis made a revolutionary contribution to hand hygiene. Working in a Vienna hospital, he observed that doctors who washed their hands before attending to patients significantly reduced mortality rates. His discovery laid the foundation for modern hand hygiene practices, although it was not fully accepted until years later.
The Birth of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitisers
In 1966, nursing student Lupe Hernandez invented the first alcohol-based sanitiser, called "Sterillium," combining alcohol, aloe vera, and glycerin. This formula was effective at killing germs while moisturising the skin. It wasn’t until the 1980s that alcohol-based sanitisers became widely available to the public, changing the way people approached personal hygiene.
Hand Sanitisers Gain Popularity
By the late 1990s, hand sanitisers became common in healthcare settings, helping to reduce healthcare-associated infections. Their convenience made them popular in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. The availability of various formulations contributed to a rapid rise in usage, making hand sanitiser a household essential.
Innovations in Hand Sanitiser Formulations
As the demand for hand sanitiser grew, manufacturers introduced new formulations, including gels, foams, and sprays. Many now feature soothing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E to combat the drying effects of alcohol, making them more skin-friendly for everyday use.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Hand Hygiene
The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed our approach to hygiene and made hand sanitiser a must-have item for people around the world. As the virus spread, public health organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stressed the importance of regular hand sanitisation in preventing the transmission of the virus. You can learn more about the importance of clean hands on the CDC’s Clean Hands Campaign. This global shift in hygiene awareness has helped shape a new norm, with hand sanitiser becoming a staple in almost every bag and pocket.
Looking Ahead to 2025: A Fresh Start with Palmtree Hygiene
As we approach 2025, maintaining hand hygiene remains essential, especially with the cold and flu season ahead. At Palmtree Hygiene, we’re proud to offer an eco-friendly hand sanitiser made from sustainable palm tree sap, supporting biodiversity without harming the trees. Our formula is gentle on the skin, leaving hands soft and nourished, thanks to the sap's vitamins and nutrients. With high alcohol content that meets WHO standards, it’s a powerful and effective solution for on-the-go hygiene. Choose Palmtree Hygiene for a cleaner, more sustainable future, and make it part of your daily routine for a healthier, greener 2025. Learn more about our products here.
Conclusion: A Crucial Tool for Health
From ancient cleansing practices to today’s alcohol-based formulas, the evolution of hand hygiene is a story of progress and innovation. As we continue into 2025, hand sanitiser remains an essential tool in promoting hygiene and protecting public health.