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Truth or Hype ... Does Antibacterial Soap Work?

Does antibacterial soap work? It's touted as a modern day germ fighter, but is it safe?

Hand washing has been the primary method of controlling the spread of infectious disease for over 100 years. In the 1950's antibacterial cleansers were introduced in the form of deodorant soaps.

Today, liquid soaps account for the largest share of antibacterial cleansers. Fully 75% of liquid soaps and 30% of bar soaps have antimicrobial properties. In fact, it is almost impossible to find liquid soap that does not include these agents.

Antibacterial Soap

Antibacterial Soap Concerns

The first point to consider is that antibacterial products are harsh on skin. They are drying, irritating, and may actually damage skin with repeated use. Dermatologists rank these products among the top causes of skin problems.

Next, is the fear that antimicrobial drug resistance will emerge due to these soaps. The high level of personal and household products that contain antimicrobial ingredients is alarming to many scientists and physicians.

Lastly, there is the worry surrounding the active ingredient triclosan. Triclosan has been detected in human blood, urine, and breast milk, in addition to aquatic life.

Is this a potential health problem? Unfortunately, we just don't know at this time. More research is needed to determine the long-term ramifications of triclosan exposure.

When is Antibacterial Soap Recommended?

According to the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), recommendations for antibacterial soap varies. Use is indicated for workers in occupations such as ...

  • Food handling
  • Childcare
  • Health care situations
and when in close contact with ...
  • Newborns
  • Elderly
  • Compromised immune system or infection
What about you, in your everyday home situation? Does antibacterial soap work as claimed? The United States National Institutes of Health sponsored a yearlong study to determine just that ...

Antibacterial Soaps in the Home

The conclusion of the study done in 2002 of 238 households? Ordinary soap and water works just as well as antibacterial cleansers.

Recommendations

Currently, no evidence suggests that use of antibacterial soap (containing 0.2% triclosan) provides a benefit over plain soap in reducing bacterial counts and rate of infectious symptoms in generally healthy persons in the household setting

...The United States Center for Disease Control

Until data emerge to show antimicrobials in consumer products are effective at preventing infection and have no detrimental effect on public health, they should be avoided." (emphasis mine)
...the American Medical Association (2005)

Does Antibacterial Soap Work?

In your own home, with your own family, rely on good old-fashioned soap and water. Natural soap of course! A pure, natural soap is kind to your skin and to the environment. Keep it simple, keep it natural.

Compare your hand washing habits with the CDC's proper hand washing technique.



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