Are there germs on soap?

Soap is a daily necessity used in most families. Soap has many uses. For example, washing hands with soap before eating can remove bacteria on hands. In addition, many people like to use soap to take a bath or wash clothes, etc. Soap can remove dirt on clothes or body and has a certain bactericidal effect. However, we must also remind everyone that if the hands are not properly protected, bacteria may grow on them.

Are there germs on soap?

Dr. Elaine L. Larson, associate dean of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University and professor of nursing epidemiology, will answer this question.

He said bacteria can and probably will live on the surface of soap, but they generally won't make you sick or cause a skin infection. In general, only those with weakened immune systems need to be careful to stick with liquid soap, but if you are healthy, the bacteria on bar soap will not pose much of a threat to your body.

It's been reported that bacteria can live quite comfortably on the sticky surface of soap, but there may be things you can do to prevent them from having an impact on your skin. First of all, you should rinse off the sticky substances on the surface of the soap with water before and after using it. Also, remember not to soak the soap in water (don't put it in the bathtub). Allow the soap to dry naturally between uses. Such an environment can prevent the growth of bacteria.

If you share a bar of soap with other family members, don't worry too much, as the environment you are in contact with is similar to that of your own family and there may be other shared items. Public restrooms generally do not use solid soap, but if you find that you are facing a toilet that can only be absorbed with solid soap, remember to rinse the soap with water first, then wash the palms and backs of your hands for 20 to 30 seconds, and clean your nails and wrists. If the rinse time is longer, there is a greater chance that the bacteria on the soap will be rinsed away.

Generally speaking, the bodies of bacteria, fungi, and viruses are made up of proteins. When proteins encounter alkaline substances, they will mutate and coagulate together. Therefore, alkaline detergents such as soap have bactericidal functions.

However, in order to reduce the damage to human skin, most of the current shampoos and shower gels use neutral or slightly acidic ingredients. Therefore, they cannot effectively kill bacteria, and bacteria can survive unless other antibacterial ingredients are added.

Generally speaking, viruses have poor adaptability to the environment and can only survive in specific environments.