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24 years
Is it better to wash my hand with Dettol than regular soap?
Sep 16, 2014

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Recent studies have shown that anti bacterial soap not only unnecessarily irritates and dries up the skin, but also alters the normal hormonal balance.
Antibacterial soaps (sometimes called antimicrobial or antiseptic soaps) contain chemical ingredients that are not found in regular soaps. These ingredients are added to these products in order to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination.
A large number of liquid soaps designated "antibacterial" contain triclosan, a compound that raised a good deal of concern to many environmental and industry groups, because animal studies have demonstrated that triclosan may alter the natural hormonal balance in the body. Although it is true that data showing effects in animals don't necessarily imply similar effects in humans, these studies are of concern to the food and drug administration (FDA) as well, and raise the need for further investigation to fully elicit how they might affect humans.
Furthermore, laboratory experiments have shown a link between triclosan and bacterial resistance to antibiotics, an already worldwide burden with a significant impact on the effectiveness of medical treatments.
Additionally, recent data point out that exposure to these active ingredients is higher than previously thought, raising concerns about the potential risks associated with their use regularly and over time.
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