Antibacterial products do help control bacterial infections, but research has shown that bacteria can build a resistance to these products if they are used too much or used unnecessarily. Many people are sold on the idea of using them because of their ability to kill germs and bacteria. When these products are used to prevent non-existent bacteria in the home rather than kill what is already there, they can, ironically, create more bacteria than they are meant to reduce.
Some bacteria contain a gene that is inherently resistant to certain antibiotics. Therefore, rather than destroy bacteria, antibacterial products can even cause some strains to increase. Other bacteria have cells that can remove an antibacterial agent in a process called an efflux pump. The cell resists the antibacterial agent by emptying it away from itself.
Antibiotics are made to actually kill bacteria, but antibacterial products are just meant to prevent their spread. Such products include soap, gel, and sanitizer as well as household cleaners. The problem with using these items to prevent germs that are not present is that bacteria can mutate to resist the antibacterial chemicals.
Moreover, even if germs are present and an antibacterial soap is used to kill them, most people do not wash their hands long enough or at the temperature needed for the soap to work effectively. The right amount of soap and the right amount of water must often be used, and home products seldom take this into consideration.
Triclosan is the main antibacterial agent found in antibacterial products, and studies have shown that it does not get rid of all the bacteria. Antibacterial agents like this can kill off the weakest bacteria while the strongest bacteria multiply. This could eventually lead to the creation of "super bugs" that become resistant to products that should kill them.
Scientific studies have shown at least some correlation between "too clean" homes cleaned with antibacterial products and increased allergies in children. These studies suggest that overuse of antibacterial agents may affect the immune system, and when used on the skin too often, they may even cause more cases of some skin diseases. Some dermatologists point out that too much antibacterial soap can dry the skin, and dry skin often results in a susceptibility to open sores. The open sores leave skin vulnerable to bacteria. If regular, rather than antibacterial, soap is used, the problem might be avoided.
