You always want to do what is best to protect yourself and the ones you love. Is using antibacterial soap worth the price tag? Learn more about antibacterial soap and whether you should be picking some up this fall.
What is Antibacterial Soap?
Antibacterial soap, also known as antimicrobial or antiseptic soap, is soap that includes an active ingredient that targets and kills microorganisms and stops their growth. These soaps target exactly what they say they do - bacteria. Comparatively, traditional soaps simply loosen and remove germs from the surface of your skin. The active ingredient in most antibacterial soaps is triclosan or triclocarban, which is not an ingredient in soaps that are not marketed as antibacterial.
Antibacterial soaps are often marketed as superior, because they actively target killing bacteria which could cause infections and illnesses. However, it is important to note that not all bacteria are harmful and our bodies need certain bacteria in our bodies for good health. Therefore, there is a risk that overusing antibacterial products could kill off the good bacteria, instead of just the bad bacteria.
Does Antibacterial Soap Kill Viruses?
Shockingly, although antibacterial soaps have different active ingredients than normal soaps that are specifically meant to target and kill bacteria, there is not a lot of evidence and support that antibacterial soaps are more effective in preventing illnesses than other soaps.
Most common fall illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria. This includes colds, the flu, mono, pink eye and others. Although bacteria can cause harmful illnesses like strep throat, regular soap is still effective in removing germs from the surface of your skin and preventing illness as long as proper hand washing techniques are used.
Alternatives to Antibacterial Soap
Although antibacterial soaps do kill off bacteria, there are a few critical drawbacks to using it. Some of these drawbacks include:
- Killing off the good bacteria
- Drying ingredients
- Creating an illusion that less handwashing is necessary
Many healthcare professionals recommend sticking to regular old soap options available at the store over antibacterial options for these reasons. Not only are regular soaps plentiful and affordable, they also offer protection against illness just like antibacterial options without the drawbacks. Similarly, hand sanitizers offer similar protection in a pinch when a sink may not be available.
Get General Illness Care Near Braintree, MA at AFC Urgent Care Braintree
It is important to prevent illnesses when possible to avoid getting sick this fall. However, don’t fall victim to the trap of antibacterial soaps, when regular handwashing with soap is just as effective at protecting you and your family from illness.
If you’re feeling sick, AFC Urgent Care Braintree is here to help get you on the road to recovery. To learn more about the illnesses we treat, visit our patient services page on our website. We don’t require appointments, so you can walk-in to our clinic when it is convenient for you and get state of the art medical care with on-site lab testing available. We accept most major health insurance plans to keep our care accessible. To speak to one of our team members, call us directly at (781) 848-2273.
