Hand sanitizers were developed for use after washing hands or for those times when soap and water are not available. They are gels or liquids that contain alcohol in order to kill the germs present on the skin. The alcohol works immediately and effectively in order to kill bacteria and most viruses. Alcohol can be very drying to the skin, so most the sanitizers also contain a moisturizer to minimize skin dryness and irritation. Hand sanitizers are convenient, portable, easy to use and not time consuming. It also minimizes the risk of spreading gastrointestinal (stomach) and respiratory infection is decreased among families who use hand sanitizers.