The downside of using Antibacterial Products.....
@carrieandjohn (554)
United States
September 2, 2008 6:12am CST
Did you know that repeative hand washing , which includes lots of friction and increases skin shredding, can aggravate some sensitive skin conditions. Nurses who wash their hands alot, suffer from skin problems and are more likely to carry more unhealthy germs because of it. Using alcohol based products. They are milder for the skin and still effective in killing germs. Still the biggest drawback to using antibacterial products isn't their damaging effects to skin, but their potential long term effects. The major concern with these products is that the possibility of developing resistance to the products. Which also could also do a cross resistance to antibotics. These products alter the harmless human bacteria and lead to changes in the immune system. So what is your feed back on this?
5 people like this
9 responses
@pinkytabor (818)
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
I am so obsessed with cleaning. I disinfect everyday. But at the same time, i fear for the health of my family. I wash hands often, and use a lot of antibacterial products. Lately i have developed dry and itchy skin.
What you said is true. We have natural immunity to germs and this should be utilized. Most antibacterial products take over and kill this immunity. My father in law always remind us that people of long ago have survived and even lived long, healthy lives without these antibacterials and disinfectants. Still, it's difficult to break a good habit of washing hands just because of that belief. However, i think there are cleansers nowadays which they call "organic?" They are safer and chemical-free.
3 people like this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
2 Sep 08
my concern is how much of this gets in the water system. In our area many of the sewer treatment plants dump into our major rivers and they go right to the Pacific, no wonder the earth is in such a mess do to human activities. Old fashion soap use to be made of just animal fat and lye, that cleaned pretty well and was all biodigradable. I know my spelling is terrible this morning but you get my meaning I'm sure.
2 people like this
@carrieandjohn (554)
• United States
4 Sep 08
Just like all the cleaning agents people use in tubs and sinks and toliets. These get into the water systems. That is why I use all natural agents to clean with. My neice has autism. They said some of the cleaning products are a concern for children with it. I have gone with all natrual with alot of my stuff.
1 person likes this
@ghazal2k5 (920)
• India
3 Sep 08
Wow! That is quite some amazing information on Antibacterial products. Where did you get all this information. Thanks for sharing with us. Will stay away from such products.
2 people like this
@iskayz (5420)
• Philippines
3 Sep 08
Hi there! 
T
hat is good information you posted. Using antibacterial soaps or handwash tends to dry the skin more faster too.
I don't use antibacterial products often. I only make it a point to wash my hands before eating. I also avoid touching my face especially my mouth just to be cautious on getting any germs in my mouth.
I believe antibacterial products are made with good intentions. Bad results only happen if consumers overdo using it. Anything extreme is bad.
Ciao! 
T
hat is good information you posted. Using antibacterial soaps or handwash tends to dry the skin more faster too.
I don't use antibacterial products often. I only make it a point to wash my hands before eating. I also avoid touching my face especially my mouth just to be cautious on getting any germs in my mouth.
I believe antibacterial products are made with good intentions. Bad results only happen if consumers overdo using it. Anything extreme is bad.
Ciao! @carrieandjohn (554)
• United States
4 Sep 08
That is what my point was and you hit the nail right on the head. I was try to raise the awareness of the products and so just plain saop would do the trick. I also try not to touch my face alot. The germs that are under your finger nails are bad. I would hate to see what kind of germs are actually under a active persons finger nails.
I was try to raise the awareness of the products and so just plain saop would do the trick. I also try not to touch my face alot. The germs that are under your finger nails are bad. I would hate to see what kind of germs are actually under a active persons finger nails.2 people like this
@wrangel15 (1443)
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
I agree with you. Anything used too much usually just give negative effects. In my case, I just wash my hands with mild soap each time I eat especially when I really have to eat using my bare hands (like when eating fried chicken, etc.).
2 people like this
@carrieandjohn (554)
• United States
4 Sep 08
That is why just plain soap with out the anti bacterial in it can do the job. I think using it around cold and flu season is a good time. Like when you go to the grocery store and touch the buggy. After touching it use the anti- bacterial stuff. I have seen studies done around that season and they tested buggies. They have alot of germs and alot of the time that is where we pick up colds.
1 person likes this
@hivickiezhou (35)
• China
3 Sep 08
This is a really dilemma. Since we are having a natural immune system, we don't need much cleanser as we ususally do. Be as natural as possible.
2 people like this
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
3 Sep 08
It leads to losing immunity to infections and diseases. Antibacterial, can usually mean, losing immunity to bacteria and germs that you need immunity to.
@greenglitterturtle (2750)
• United States
2 Sep 08
hi carrie...my feedback is that it is rather discouraging. the good you are trying to do can turn to bad and undo the very thing you wanted to accomplish. bummmer. i'm still washing my hands and i wish more people would.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (45576)
• India
2 Sep 08
Hi ,
Is it true ? In our home ; we need to throw a lot of things and do a lot of cleaning . We have to use the Soaps - Liquid or Solid a lot . So ; does it mean we should lessen their usage ?
2 people like this
