Antibacterial soap became quite popular within the past 10 or so years. Some people suggest that antibacterial hand soap can contribute to resistant strains of bacteria. The website of one popular brand even goes as far to state on their website:The FDA and European Union, after extensive studies over 10 years, have concluded that there is no convincing evidence that the antibacterial ingredient used in _______ liquid soaps pose a risk to humans or to the environment by inducing or transmitting antibacterial resistance under current conditions of use. (Eu-SCCP, 2002, 2006).
A meta-study by Aiello, Larson and Levy (2007) reviewed papers from 1980 to 2006. They found two pertinent pieces of information.
- Soaps containing triclosan within the range of concentrations commonly used in the community setting... were no more effective than plain soap at preventing infectious illness symptoms and reducing bacterial levels on the hands.
- Several laboratory studies demonstrated evidence of triclosan-adapted cross-resistance to antibiotics among different species of bacteria.
As with most things, this is not a clear-cut situation. Regardless, it seems proper hand washing is best. The CDC offers tips of the best way to do it.
Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Soap_P1140887.jpg
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