Should You Really be Using Antibacterial Soap?

By Marlene Diaz | November 17, 2016 |

Home Care Kirkland WA

As a family caregiver you know how important it is for you to control germs and help your aging loved one avoid infection and illness. Older adults tend to have immune systems that are not as effective as those of younger adults, which means that they are more likely to contract an illness or infection, and will have a more difficult time fighting off that issue if it does arise. When building your germ control approach you might have thought about using antibacterial hand soap and gel products to help keep the germs down.

Are these products truly safe, however?

In 2014 the FDA spoke out against antibacterial products. Not only did they cite that these products are generally no more effective than just washing with plan water and regular soap, but they also pointed out that some of the ingredients commonly used in antibacterial products can be very dangerous for your health. Understanding these potential concerns is an important part of making the decision that is right for your aging parent and for you as their family caregiver.

The ingredient that is at the center of the controversy about antibacterial soap and other products is called triclosan. This chemical was originally used only in medical facilities such as hospitals to kill germs. In the 1990s, however, this ingredient found its way onto the market and started appearing in soaps, hand gels, surface wipes, cleaners, and even mattresses, cutting boards, and other products. While this ingredient was touted as a way to prevent germs, the FDA research found that it can actually case far more harm than good, and has declared that it and other similar ingredients must be removed from products.

One of the most important things to note is that the excessive use of antibacterial products and antibiotics actually encourages the development of stronger and more medication-resistant germs. This means that the more you and your parent use these products in an effort to prevent infection and illness, the stronger these germs become and the more serious the illness or infection could be if it does develop. Studies have also shown that these products interfere with critical functions within the body, including the regulation of hormones, decreased muscle control, and increased risk of obesity and cancer, among others.

Starting home care for your aging parent can be a fantastic way to help them stay healthier and avoid the serious infections and illnesses that can occur. An in-home senior care services provider can help your parent understand the risks that they are facing when it comes to illness and infection, and take important steps to reduce these risks.

This can include making sure that they wash their hands regularly, utilize an aggressive germ control approach throughout the home and when they are out of the home, and helping to prevent your loved one from coming into contact with those who might be ill or suffering from an infection so that they do not spread these germs to your senior.

Source: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/ist/?next=/science-nature/five-reasons-why-you-should-probably-stop-using-antibacterial-soap-180948078/

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Kirkland WA, contact the caring staff at Hospitality Home Care today. Call us at (206) 966-6552.

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Marlene Diaz

Care Supervisor at Hospitality Home Care

Marlene brings to Hospitality Home Care's Care Supervisor Team an unprecedented level of passion for caring for others and a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the care services field. Marlene has worked in the healthcare field for more than 15 years in a variety of settings including, adult family home administration, home care HR supervising and working with specialty populations including dementia, mental health and developmental disabilities. Throughout this time Marlene has also maintained her caregiver credentials that she obtained as a teenager because, while her knowledge is best served helping to train caregivers and assist families to get the care they need, her heart is most fulfilled when she is providing care to others. When she is not in the office, you will most likely find Marlene caring for her family, or spending time with her friends.