Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) and cologne, which are widely used in infection control, on blood alcohol level and nasal functions. Methods: Sixty volunteer healthcare workers were included in this prospective study conducted at Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine. Participants were divided into three groups: hand sanitizer users, cologne users, and a control group. Serum ethanol levels, nasal function tests (VAS score, rhinomanometry, saccharin test), and nasal culture results were evaluated in all participants before and after the study. Results: Total nasal airway resistance did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). The mucociliary clearance time increased slightly in both groups after exposure. A significant increase in serum ethanol levels was found after the use of hand sanitizer (p < 0.05) and no statistically significant difference was observed between the cologne and control groups (p > 0.05). A decrease in bacterial colony count was observed in nasal cultures after the use of both products (p < 0.05). While VAS scores increased significantly with the use of hand sanitizer (p < 0.05), no statistical difference was observed, despite a quantitative increase in cologne use. A slight increase in the endoscopic score was observed after hand sanitizer use, whereas minimal or no change was noted after cologne user group. Conclusion: Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer and cologne increases serum ethanol levels to detectable levels and causes changes in some nasal parameters with short-term use. However, these changes are not at a pathological level. Both products have an effect of reducing nasal bacterial colonization.
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