Antibacterial Soap Creates SUPER BUGS

Did you know that there are over 700 different kinds of antibacterial products made for household use? This number includes hand washing soaps, cleansers, lotions, tooth brushes, laundry detergents, and cleaning supplies. You can even find mattresses, sheets, pillows and chop sticks that contain antibacterial ingredients.

Anti-bacterial agents were first used in hospital settings to improve sanitation practices and prevent the cross contamination of microbial-causing illnesses from patient to patient. Although companies state that their anti-bacterial products help to prevent infections, the research behind such claims is lacking. In fact, one study performed in a Manhatten inner city neighborhood found no difference in episodes of infectious disease symptoms between those families using anti-bacterial household cleaning products versus those using identically packaged products without antibacterial ingredients.

So what is the problem with using antibacterial soaps and cleaning supplies? Similar to antibiotics, these products can destroy some microbes while becoming resistant to others. Resistant bacteria often evolve into “super bugs” which can be significantly more dangerous than the original bacteria.

According to the CDC, community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (cMRSA) is becoming a world wide health concern. cMRSA is an antibiotic resistant bacteria implicated in serious skin and soft tissue infections as well as pneumonia. Resistance to cMRSA has been linked to use of antibacterial products. Additionally, higher rates of allergies and asthma in kids have been linked to the suggested “hygiene hypothesis.” This theory postulates that in order for the immune system to develop correctly, it is necessary to be exposed to certain bacteria as children so our immune cells learn how to fight infection.

Naturopathic physicians do not recommend overusing antibacterial products. At ALETRIS, we understand the significance of benign early-childhood illnesses and believe them to be important for the development and maintenance of a healthy immune system.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.