You are now on to the #tipoff–#TBS lifestyle segment where you learn tips that you may want to adapt to your daily routine. Big shout out to everyone that is always looking forward to this part of the show.
Now, are you one of those who cannot have their bath or shower in peace without adding some antiseptic liquid to the water or using an antiseptic soap? Actually it is good to use Antiseptics because they are chemical agents that slow or stop the growth of micro-organisms on external surfaces of the body and help to prevent infections. For instance, antiseptic can be applied to a wound and kill microorganisms. Antiseptics usually contain lower concentrations of biocides i.e chemical agents than disinfectants. (To those who always refer to antiseptics as skin disinfectants, there is a big difference between the two terms by the way).
There are different types of Antiseptics used in a variety of ways both at home and in the hospital. Some of those common Antiseptic used at home on skin to treat minor cuts, burns, and wounds or as mouth wash to reduce the risk of infection as well as soaps and cleaning solutions to disinfect mucous membranes such as vagina include: Antibacterial dye, Peroxide and permanganate and halogenated phenol derivative. Sadly, not all microorganisms in our private parts are meant to be killed according to medical experts.
According to dermnetnz.org, household’s “use of antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term, such as promoting bacterial resistance”. In some developed countries, there are sanctions on over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic wash products containing certain active ingredients not to be sold. How much more in Nigeria. Some Nigerians like to say they are not like the white people or oyinbos as we like to say sometimes. But hey, this is about your skin, therefore, there is a need for a review on your use of antibacterial soap if it’s already a habit for you.
Why You Should Do Away With Antibacterial Soap
- Antibacterial soaps are no more effective than conventional soap and water. A 2014 research by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that using Antibacterial soap provides no health benefits as compared to old-fashioned soap. In the research, It’s been reported that no there is no evidence that using an antibacterial soap over simple soap and water gives protection from illness. Though this has been argued by some other stakeholders it kills “slightly more bacteria than conventional ones” especially on reduced infection rates. The World Health Organization once calls it a “threat to global health security.”
- Allergies. According to research, there is high chance of developing allergic reactions on the skin due to excess use which could be a result of reduced exposure to bacteria necessary for proper immune system functioning and development.
- Antibacterial soaps could act as endocrine disruptors. A number of studies have proven. For instance an antibacterial soap called triclosan was tested “in rats, frogs and other animals and appears to interfere with the body’s regulation of thyroid hormone, perhaps because it chemically resembles the hormone closely enough that it can bind to its receptor sites”. Though such effects haven’t yet been found in humans, but it’s been reported that soaps of such nature could lead to infertility, artificially-advanced early puberty and cancer.
- Antibacterial soaps are bad for the environment Research has shown that small quantities of the chemical can persist after treatment at sewage plants, and as a result, it can disrupt algae’s ability to perform photosynthesis.
