Guess What? Antibacterial Soap is NOT All That!
September 9, 2008 by Liberty Kontranowski
Filed under Boys & Girls, Children, Easy Health Tips, Health, Theme Days, Your Body
As the kiddies head back to school (and back to scads of germ-acquiring opportunities) resist the urge to splurge on antibacterial soaps. Though the sheer impact of their title may make a weary parent squee with anticipation of heading off the beasties, antibacterial soaps are really no better than just plain soap and water.
True, many brands claim superiority, but the fact of the matter is that most of these drugstore soaps do not contain enough of the active ingredient triclosan to make them effective. In fact, in studies, families who used antibacterial soaps averaged the same number of germs on their mitts as those who lathered up with the old standby soap and water.
Lesson? Stick with plain old soap, but remember to wash often and well.
This has been your Healthbolt Easy Health Tip of the Day.
I’ve always been skeptical of antibacterial soaps. I’m even wary of using too much of that washless gel stuff, though if I’m in a Port-a-Potty and it’s available, damn straight I’m using it!
Nice. Now my germaphobe self can continue using regular soap. What happened to the “antibacterial is bad for your immune system” frenzy?
seriously i try to avoid anti bacterial agents unless i am seriously open for infection.
immune system was built as a protection, use it!
the immune system has to be ready to identify alien cells or infected cells to target and destroy those cells. if you let a simple chemical interfere a new strain may be more lethal even if its common. (and this brand is proven to not contain enough)
so i normally would use water but occassionally soap if my hands had an oil or dirty substance.
Mubina, the anti-antibacterial soap frenzy is still alive and kicking. Except now the CDC is on the bandwagon too.
http://blog.calorie-help.com/2009/05/29/anti-bacterial-soaps/