It’s National Hand Washing Week, so what better time to talk about choosing the best soap to meet your family’s needs? Now that the flu season is at its peak, it is especially important that you have a strong handwashing regime. But the question is, is there really all that much difference between regular bars of soap and antibacterial soaps? Let’s explore some of the differences between the two and how they can affect how efficient your handwashing efforts are.
What is Antibacterial Soap?
If you stop by the soap aisle at your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, you will find a wide array of soaps, both bars and liquids. You will notice that many of them are marked as antibacterial. You may also notice a few antiseptic or antimicrobial soaps. All of these are classified as antibacterial, and they are essential soaps with additional chemicals added that help reduce bacterial infections and/or prevent bacterial infections.
Is Antibacterial Soap Better?
When you wash your hands with traditional soap, it helps to loosen the grip that germs have on the surface of your skin. Soap contains both polar and nonpolar properties, which help dissolve bacteria and remove any potential pathogens from the skin. However, regular soap will not stop their production or eliminate them. However, antibacterial soaps contain triclosan or triclocarban, which helps halt the production of bacteria. In theory, this means it should be better at killing germs that are rife throughout the flu season. However, it is important to note that the FDA is reluctant to say that antibacterial soaps are definitively better at preventing illness as they have been unable to gather enough evidence to support this claim. Despite this, antibacterial soaps are heavily marketed as reducing bacteria and killing pathogens. You can pick up antibacterial soaps from your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, and they will certainly help you kill off any dangerous pathogens. However, traditional soap is adequate enough for use in a home setting. The biggest determining factor in preventing the spread of illness is effective handwashing, whether you choose antibacterial or traditional soap.
Risks Of Antibacterial Soap
Now that you know antibacterial soap may not necessarily be any more effective than a good handwashing regime with traditional soap, you may be wondering if there is any downside to using it. There are no significant risks associated with antibacterial soap that would make using it dangerous, but there are a few disadvantages that you should take into consideration next time you are choosing soap at your local pharmacy in Powell, TN.
- Antibacterial soaps contain additional chemicals that some individuals find strip away natural oils in the skin, leaving their hands feeling dry.
- Using antibacterial soap can lull you into a false sense of cleanliness, leading to less frequent handwashing, quickly negating any initial germ-killing benefits.
- There are some concerns that extensive use of antibacterial soaps and other antimicrobial products could prompt an increase in antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, but further research is needed.
How to Wash Your Hands Properly
As noted, the single most effective way to slow down the spread of illness is to maintain a great hand-washing regime. However, it is estimated that as many as 95% of adults in the United States are not washing their hands correctly! Make sure you always take these steps every time you wash your hands:
Start by wetting your hands under clean, running water—either warm or cool works just fine. Apply soap and lather it up by rubbing both hands together. Scrub your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, ensuring you cover every part: palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under your nails. Rinse off all the soap completely. Finally, dry your hands with a clean towel or an air dryer.
It is also important to make sure that you are washing your hands at the most appropriate times. In addition to washing your hands when they are dirty, you should be washing your hands both before and after the following situations:
- Prepping or eating food
- Treating wounds
- Caring for a sick individual
- Touching items frequently touched by others (door handles, shopping carts, gas pumps)
- Inserting or removing contact lenses
You will also want to wash them after:
- Going to the toilet
- Changing a diaper
- Touching animals
- Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- Touching trash
In conclusion, whether you choose regular or antibacterial soap on your next trip to the local pharmacy in Powell, TN, a proper handwashing routine is the most important factor in preventing the spread of illness. While antibacterial soaps may offer extra germ-fighting ingredients, traditional soap is generally effective enough for everyday use, especially when paired with thorough washing techniques. By understanding the steps for effective handwashing and following them consistently, you can help protect yourself and your family from the spread of flu and other seasonal illnesses. Remember, clean hands are your best defense against germs, so make handwashing a priority this season and beyond!
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number-you're part of our family!
(865) 947-1581