FDA Says Germ-Killing Soap Recommended For CKD Patients Could Actually Pose Severe Health Risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported Monday December 16th, 2013 that there is NO EVIDENCE that antibacterial chemicals used in liquid soaps and washes help prevent the spread of germs, and there is some evidence they may even pose health risks. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients are told that they, " should stop using bar soap and use the antibacterial soap in a pump for showers and hand washing." They were also told that there were too many germs left on the bar soap and dialysis centers provide antibacterial soap for its patients.

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Further, some data suggest that long-term exposure to certain active ingredients used in antibacterial products, for example, triclosan (liquid soaps) and triclocarban (bar soaps) could post health risks, such as bacterial resistance or hormonal effects.

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Due to CKD patients' extensive exposure to the ingredients in antibacterial soaps, KidneyBuzz.com believes that there should be a clearly demonstrated benefit from using antibacterial soap to balance any potential risk. Also, readers should note that hand sanitizers, wipes and antibacterial products used in health care settings are not affected.