Dear Dr. Roach: We are often instructed to wash our hands with soap. What kind of soap? Does it need to be antibacterial? What about soaps that are sodium lauryl sulfate-free?
— L.B.
Answer: I do not recommend antibacterial soaps. The evidence shows they are no better than any other soap. They may also increase resistance, not only to the antibacterial agent in the soap, but to other antibiotics as well. Hence, the Food and Drug Administration removed the most commonly used antibacterial agents from most soaps and body washes in 2016.
Regular soap is very effective at removing bacteria and viruses from the hands through a mixture of washing them away and the action of the soap on the germs themselves. Some germs, such as the spores of C. diff, are highly resistant to soap, so it’s the washing away part that is critical, and that needs time and running water — at least 20-30 seconds.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common ingredient in soaps, and is very effective. However, it can be irritating to some people. Fortunately, SLS-free soaps are also effective at removing most germs from the hands.
When handwashing is not practical, alcohol-based antiseptic gel is an alternative in most cases, but not for the C. diff, as mentioned above.
