use of soap : Apart from the TV remote, one more thing common in almost every middle-class household in India is the bath soap. Eating in the same plate increases love, but what happens if you bathe with the same soap? Ever thought about it? In this article we will discuss whether one should use the same soap for the entire bath or not.
Should the whole family use the same soap or not?
Soap bars can contain germs. An April–June 2006 study in the Indian Journal of Dental Research found that bar soap contained two to five different types of bacteria. Additionally, a hospital study reported in July 2015 in the American Journal of Infection Control found that about 62 percent of bar soaps were contaminated, while only 3 percent of liquid soaps were contaminated. Bacteria hidden on soap can potentially spread from person to person.
What germs can be on soap?
According to health experts, some of the germs present on the soap include E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella bacteria, as well as viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus, and staph. Some of these can be spread through cuts or scrapes on the skin, while others can be spread through feces.
Which infection can be spread by using the same soap?
Although it is safe to share the same soap, but there is also a risk of spreading the infection. In a 2008 study of University of Florida football players, those who shared soap were more likely to develop methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic-resistant staph infection. Because of this, the US CDC also recommends not sharing personal items such as soap.
What should be done to avoid the infection spread by soap?
Sharing soap does not pose any major risk to health. However, this is still a matter of research and concern. If you don’t want to share or are hesitant to use soap because of the potential for bacteria growth, you can switch to liquid soap or body wash instead, and even soap with a zero-touch dispenser Can also choose.
Whereas, if you use soap or share it with your family members, be sure to wash it once before using it on your body. Remember to dry it after washing as wet soap is more likely to grow bacteria as well as skin cells.
Lastly, it is better to share than not to use soap as it helps protect the body from various types of viruses and bacteria and the possible infections they can cause.
