Our Obsession With Antibacterial Soap

Many of us are obsessed with antibacterial soap these days.   It’s become nearly ubiquitious in our society.  You can find antibacterial cleaners in hand soaps, countertop cleaners, woven into textiles and even incorporated into steel.   But is there a dark side to keeping things nice and sterile?

Photo Credit Moria

Should We Always Use Antibacterial Soap?

Many of us know that the overuse of antibiotics is rapidly leading to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.  This rapid progression has proven terribly problematic for drug companies to solve.

Most of us also know that the use of antibacterial hand soap further contributes to the problem.  But for many, this is simply an abstract issue.   One that will never affect us.  Many of us with kids justify this approach, telling ourselves that it’s the best thing for our children.

But what if we’re wrong?   Some recent work has started suggesting that young children NEED exposure to infectious microbes for the cardiovascular system to develop properly.   Research has shown that, much as vaccinating in childhood helps build the immune system’s ability to cope with certain diseases, so too, may exposure to inflammatory bacteria build resistance for later in life.

This would certainly not be the first such indication that allowing our kids to be exposed to “unhealthy” substances may provide them with benefits later in life.  Other work has shown that children who grow up with house pets may be less likely to develop allergies in adulthood.

I’m not suggesting we stop cleaning our homes.  Truth be told, I’m a terribly fastidious person.  But it’s certainly food for thought.  The use of broad spectrum antibacterial soap may not be the best decision in all cases.  So, I’ll have to think twice before reaching immediately for the antibacterial body wash.  Maybe regular old bar soap is just fine.