Question

Knowing what you do about antimicrobial resistance and normal microbiota, should you routinely shower with an antibacterial soap? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Answer : No; you should never routinely shower with an antibacterial soap.

Our body, including the skin has a diverse antimicrobial flora which are nonpathogenic and has many important functions. They also helps to prevent attack by pathogenic microbes either by competing for nutrients, secreting chemicals against them, or by stimulating our immune system. Routinely showering with antimicrobial soap can destroy these normal flora, which can invite infections by pathogenic organisms.

Moreover, irrational use of antimicrobials (topical or systemic) can lead to development of antimicrobial resistance, so that when you get an infection with pathogenic organisms, they will no longer respond to these antibiotics.