Hand Sanitizer and HSV

[TravellingHobbyis]

Would washing the penis, scrotum, general genital area with a hand sanitizer like Germ-X (62% ethyl alcohol), help prevent herpes after sex?

I'm curious if it would help because HSV is caused by skin to skin contact and a condom doesn't always protect against infection.

 

[Health Nurse]

Would washing the penis, scrotum, general genital area with a hand sanitizer like Germ-X (62% ethyl alcohol), help prevent herpes after sex?

I'm curious if it would help because HSV is caused by skin to skin contact and a condom doesn't always protect against infection.

Hi TravellingHobbyis

I have not been able to find any research or evidence that shows that washing after sex reduces your chances of getting herpes or any other sexually transmitted infection (STI).

I think the reason for this is because herpes can infect a number of different cells in the body. Once it gets into the cell from the skin to skin rubbing it is in your body.

In regard to using hand sanitizer I am not sure how this will work on the genitals. It has been designed to be used on the hands and the skin of the genitals is a lot more sensitive. I think it will really sting if you get some in your urethra (pee tube).

In general washing the genitals after sex should not cause a problem. Just do not wash to much as I have seen people that have come to the clinic with broken skin from excessive washing, using strong chemicals or chemicals that are not supposed to be used on the skin. This breakdown in the first protective layer of skin could increase your risk if you came in contact with infected fluids. If alcohol hand sanitizer irritated your genitals this would not be good. I have written to the manufacture and asked them about using it on the genitals. I will post the reply.

I can understand that many people will not have the chance to shower after sex. I wonder if using a product like a baby wipe would be a better alternative than using hand sanitizer.

Let us know if you want us to expand on a topic. Remember if you would like to ask me a personal question just send me a PM.

HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.stiresource.com

 

[Health Nurse]

Health Nurse - would you recommend unscented baby wipes over scented in this instance? I've had men turn me down on my wipes because I provide unscented.

My theory is that there may be more people who get itching/rashes from senisitive (I know scented ones make ME itch at the very least) which could lead to scratching, broken skin, or maybe even a YI?

Am I way off base on this?

Hi Missy Mariposa

I have also met people who get skin irritations from scented baby wipes. I guess the extra chemicals used for “scent” reacts with some people’s skin. Everyone is different and you do not know until you try it.

It makes sense that if you are only going to offer one type that it would be unscented.

You could always offer both types, scented and unscented and let them choose. I think some people need to smell a “scent” before they feel “clean”. If they are unfamiliar with the products you could let them know if they have sensitive skin that it might be a good idea to try the unscented ones first.

I agree with you that any product that irritates the genitals and makes you get broken skin from scratching/ irritation will probably make it easier for sexually transmitted infection to get in.

Let us know if you want us to expand on a topic. Remember if you would like to ask me a personal question just send me a PM.

HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.stiresource.com