Antibacterial Soap Update

[magnolia_cat]

I was unaware of several possible side effects.

consumeraffairs.com/news/fd...

[Foggymind]

Hi magnolia_cat,

I raised a similar post about hand sanitisers last week and their possible dangers.

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

After a number of informative responses to my post by more esteemed members I was convinced of their safety and happy to continue to use hand sanitisers. Since that post there has been the news that you have highlighted that antibacterial soaps with the very same ingredients as hand sanitiser have been outlawed. I realise that antibacterial soap used with water and hand sanitisers are two different products but I am now a little confused as to why the hand sanitiser is still safe using the same ingredients? Life is too complicated for my foggy mind!

Kevin – Essex, UK

[AussieNeil Administrator]

In addition to Kevin/Foggymind 's post, here's the one by Chris/Cllanada on FDA's recent announcement, which is what resulted in the consumer affairs article you referenced: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

I think a reasonable summary of the situation is that plain old soap and water works as well or better than the liquid soaps with the banned ingredients and without the risk of bacterial resistance developing. While I haven't seen a reason given for why the FDA has allowed the continued use of the antibacterial products in health settings but now banned for home use, I presume it is because there's more need of antibacterial activity in health settings.

With regard to hand sanitisers, these don't need triclosan as the alcohol content in these is quite effective at killing bacteria, but perhaps not viruses (which aren't 'alive' when they are outside of the cells they infect).

Neil

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

They didn't mention that triclosan is still in toothpaste in the U.S. 😳

New York Times

nytimes.com/2016/09/07/well...

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to Cllcanada]

It's available in Australia too and causing some controversy here as well: smh.com.au/nsw/colgate-tota...

'Australian experts have defended the product, the only toothpaste on the Australian market that contains triclosan.

They say the chemical has been proven to fight gingivitis, gum bleeding and inflammation.

"Untreated gum diseases have a massive effect," said Laurie Walsh, a professor of dental science at the University of Queensland.

"You have to balance the potential of harm against a known good."'

The manufacturer's statement: colgatetotal.com/health-ben...

'

:

Reviews by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the American Dental Association, government agencies, and other independent sources around the world confirm triclosan’s safe use in toothpaste and recognize that Colgate Total® toothpaste provides an important oral health benefit.

Colgate Total® is the only toothpaste on the market that has undergone the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's rigorous New Drug Application (NDA) review process for efficacy and safety, including periodic reviews of scientific literature and safety information. As recently as November 25, 2013, the FDA continues to affirm its support for the use of Colgate Total® toothpaste to fight gum disease. Colgate Total® is the only toothpaste that is both approved by the FDA and accepted by the American Dental Association as safe and effective in helping to prevent gingivitis.'

It's that old risk/reward compromise again and I'll admit to using it occasionally because I find it works for me and with my severity 3/4 neutropenia, dental cleans are a risk too...

Neil

[otonal]

I find the Bentley Moisturising Organic Sanitiser very pleasant to use and it comes in a handy spray. It's on offer at Ocado at the moment for £2.99. I prefer to use soap and water where it is available though, but it is useful to use on public transport etc.

Cheers

Ottie