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Why soap? Does it really kill germs or is it just dehydrating?
  • mitte
    I often get contact dermatitis on my hands from soaps (liquid, soapbars or even the "mild" ones). I understand a good hygiene is necessary to prevent spreading of bacteria and virus, but how effective is really soap (surfectants) when it comes to killing germs in the first place? Is there an effective alternative that is not so irritating/dehydrating? In other words, what surfectant is the mildest on the market and does it work on germs? 
  • HyspinHyspin
    I have eczema on my hands, which were result of contact dermatitis. I found that any soap that antibacterial of any quality will irritate my hands. I find using a plain mild soap is best. It doesn't have the germ killing quality of antibacterials but it gets the jobs done. Just wash your hands with soap does a lot to reducing germs on your hands not necessarily killing them but removing. Best bet is to use the bare minimum cleaning  time of have your hands under the water for at least 20 seconds (honestly I don't know why the  ontario ministry of health decided on that number). I bring with me glycerine soap, since it mild on skin in general.

    Is there any particular reason you need to work with antibacterial? examples: medical industry or food preparation?

    Hopefully one the Brains chime in.

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