The myth connected with antibacterial soaps

   Each day some new developments come out for comsumers to buy, try and use. We rely on the packaging to tell us all there is to know, but at times we do not read the wrappers or information needed to get the full benefit.  The antibacterial soaps took the market by storm many years ago and are still in full swing.  We all want to be exposed to fewer germs, give others less of our bacteria and all be healthier.

   Not only does illness cause us loss of school time, work time, but also costs us money. Antibacterial soaps have given us a remedy that can be purchased in liquid soap, wipes and sprays too.  When I have seen how these products have been used I had to share my knowledge with you. You can have these products touch your hands and feel as though you are free from germs.  This is far from the truth. The alcohol in these waterless hand cleaners, for instance is sufficient only to remove superficial collected deposits on the first layer of the skin. Furthermore, washing with soap and water is recommended every 5 or 6 times that this product is used.

    Now the idea behind the antibacterial soap hand washing has to be fully explained for complete effectiveness. Yes, washing hands with this product is good. I am not saying it is not. The method of washing is what is in question while using anitbacterial soaps. To fully get rid of germs under the first layer of the skin and  completely remove collection in the pores of the skin there needs to be friction. Rubbing with antibacterial soap for 2 to 3 minutes will accomplish this task. The rule to follow would be to sing  two stanzas of "Yankee Doodle Dandy". Then rinse throughly under running water. The final message is to not reinfect your hands by touching the faucet that you touched with your dirty hands before using the antibacterial soap. If you can use a cloth or paper towel to turn off the water, you are indeed cleansed in the proper way with antibacterial soaps. They are useful, when used properly.  Ask your pediatrician or family doctor for proper use of antibacterial soaps next visit.