Anti-bacterial Soap may cause more harm than good.

[PeggyKR]

I wondered when this was going to become an issue..I always thought it would lower your resistance to antibiotics..but now other issues as well

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25405037

[skepticscott]

1. Well, yeah

When the label says "kills 99.9% of bacteria", it doesn't tell you what happens to the other 0.1%.

[PeggyKR]

3. good point..

We're such an accepting society...sigh...

[longship]

2. Yup, there are more bacterial cells in and on your body than human cells.

Many are beneficial to humans. That's why I use non-bacterial dish soap or bar soap to wash.

Anti-bacterial soap is a stupid thing to use except for in specific circumstances, like when you have a cut.

[PeggyKR]

4. People don't get it.

Too many people watching too many television ads..."oh, sounds great", or "I think I need that drug"...

[longship]

5. Well, I am all for drugs, when they are properly tested for efficacy and safety.

Those who see doctors as being evil, or pharma shills, don't see what's happening in medicine these days. Science based medicine is kind of new, but it's taken hold in the Blogosphere, which is a good start. That means openness and transparency in pharma trials and so-called Big Pharma not being able to sweep negative trials under the carpet.

I support that.

[PeggyKR]

8. Sounds great!

I just think we have a bit of a lazy society...too many refusing to do their homework on just about everything. They believe waay too much of what they hear on the television. Absolutely see doctors. I work for doctors. I'm not anti-doctor, or anti-drug. I take prescription drugs every day--but learned to stop the ones I feel were doing more harm than good. People need to take the time to be more aware of the pro's and con's of any chemical they choose to take or use.

[longship]

11. Yup. And no medical treatment has no risk.

But it takes one with the proper training to evaluate those risks. The standard of care by physicians -- actual doctors, MDs -- is predominantly determined by academic physicians who work, not in private practice, but in a university environment. They are, on the whole, salaried.

The people who complain about MDs and tend to promote woo medicine like naturopathy, homeopathy, chiropractic, etc. all spin the same storyline. It is anti-science.

Science-based medicine is the answer.

[Warpy]

6. It needs to be restricted to things like pre op surgical scrubs

Wide use like we have now is just going to lead to more resistant bugs.

Seriously, it's the friction followed by rinse water that dislodge bacteria and send them down the drain. Soap with antibacterial agents just aren't necessary for 99% of usage.

[PeggyKR]

9. I agree.

Totally.

[seattledo]

7. Anyone else hate Dial

It doesn't leave a clean smelling film like better soaps.

[PeggyKR]

10. environmentally kinder..

I am really trying to find the products that are kind to the environment. Seventh Generation is a good laundry detergent. I don't like Dial either..

[winter is coming]

13. Ivory is the soap I can't stand. It smells horrible. n/t

[SheilaT]

12. Why am I not surprised?

I happen to work in a hospital, on the information desk. There are many places all over the hospital with the chemical hand wash stations. I cringe to see them, because I know that simple handwashing with soap and water is absolutely the best thing out there.