Peanut Residue and Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel

Hi Connie,
I can't remember who told me this info (it was either FAN or the nurse at the allergist's office), but they said those instant hand gels do NOT remove peanut residue!!! They said use either soap and water or baby wipes (wipes are convenient to have when out in public).
B.

Hi Connie. My husband and I do not rely on hand sanitizer because its just for germs. I use handiwipes. I, too, have wondered about it and decided not to risk it.

Connie,
Hand sanitizer would not do the trick. Since peanut residue is not a germ, it cannot be killed. The residue actually has to be removed with force; i.e, scrubbing with soap and water or, if soap is unavailable, scrubbing under a forceful stream of water.
Christine

We follow the soap and warm water practice. If water is not available, we use handwipes and follow up with handwashing before eating anything.
From what I have been told, the reason for soap and water is as follows: Detergents loosen and lift proteins. The friction from handwashing with a detergent based product allows the proteins to be washed away.

Hi. I don't know if anyone has seen these in the grocery store, but there is a wipe for kids that comes in a purple box. They are usually on the tissue isle. They are wipes that are grape scented and are also anti-baterial. I can't remember the name. I've been buying those for before dd eats when we are out, but for the most part I use plain ole' baby wipes. The kid wipes come in single packs so you can put them in the lunch box, etc. Does anyone know if the plain baby wipes are anti-baterial or if any brand makes these?

Regarding the whole issue of "antibacterial"--recently I have read several articles regarding the overuse of antibacterial products. There is concern that too much use of antibacterial products is now causing the average bacteria to become resistant to the products. The bacteria are mutating against these products. The articles I have read have stated that you should only use the antibacterial wipes/gels when you do not have access to soap and water. If you are in a restaurant or public place that has soap and water faclities you should use these over the antibacterial products.
Christine

PLEASE, be very careful wiping off PB faces and hands. Wiping PB off with a wipe will not get all the allergen off. The wipe will kill germs but peanut allergen is a protein and will not be killed by antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizers. Proteins can be denatured by different processes (ie heat) but soap and water is the best bet to get it off. Our allergist said some people believe peanut oil, because it is heated is fine but he wouldn't trust it.
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Tammy Lynn

I'm glad you had this topic. I work in a grocery store, and was under the impression that hand sanitizer would neutralize the peanut oil I came in contact with. But,after while I started using a paper towel to handle the peanut oil jugs. Thanks again for the infomation.