Bar Soap?

Germs are usually growing on bar soap and can spread from one person to another. This is especially true if the bar soap sits in a dish of stagnant water. If there was only bar soap in a puddle of water available, I would skip that and only use warm water to wash up.

Liquid Soap?

This is far less likely to be contaminated. Liquid soap should be stored in closed containers and dispensed from either disposable containers or containers that are washed and dried thoroughly before refilling. Soap should not be added to a partially empty dispenser, because this practice of "topping off" may lead to bacterial contamination.

Antibacterial Soap?

These can still support the growth of germs! The Center for Disease Control reports that antibacterial soaps have not been found to be any more effective at killing germs than regular plain soap. Using antibacterial soap may even lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to being destroyed, making it harder to kill these germs in the future.

Which Liquid Soap?

I use and sell a soap made from water, olive oil, lye, and vitamin E. It has no propyl alcohol and no alcohol of any type. Read about the dangers of propyl alcohol here. I have had patients clear up their acne by using this soap I sell instead of infected bar soap! To order, click here ($5.29 + tax).

Whichever soap you use, hand washing is important.

Keep it clean!

Dr. Pepi

August 24, 2010