I realize that I'm behaving recklessly. I understand that I'm living on the edge. But I'm not convinced that I need to use hand sanitizer on a daily basis.

I have nothing against a gel that allegedly kills 99.9 percent [1]of all household bacteria and viruses. But since I'm not much of a germ-o-phobe [2], I wonder whether the average person actually needs to decontaminate themselves [3] on a regular basis.

Now, I'd feel differently if traveled regularly on planes, cruise ships or subways. I'd also reconsider if I taught first-grade, worked in a hospital, or was running for Congress [4].

But since I'm rarely exposed to that much humanity, I think it's overkill to tote around a bottle of sanitizer in my handbag. I'm confident that my body can cope [4] if I fail to disinfect at a second's notice.

Studies have shown [5] that there's no good reason [5] to use antibacterial soaps. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hand sanitizers [6], as long as its alcohol content is above 60 percent. Their research shows that using alcohol-based sanitizers is as effective as washing your hands [7].

It's strange that I feel this way, considering that I'm normally a big fan of cosmetics and beauty products. I like to primp. I have an arsenal of hand lotions and creams. I don't take camping trips longer than two days, because my appreciation for products starts to exceed my appreciation of nature.

But I'm just not sold on this stuff. The way I see it, if I'm going to carry a product on a regular basis, I'd much rather keep a rich, great-smelling moisturizer in my bag. That way, my hands won't dry out after I've washed them.

Then again, by throwing caution to the wind, I'm probably destined to get a bug or two this winter. If you're a convert, go ahead and convince of the error of my ways. Maybe it's time to become a believer.