In Indian families, it is normal for everyone to share the same soap bar. And people have been doing so without any fear or suspicion for the last so many years since soap was introduced in the country.
However, if we use a different towel, is it okay to use the same soap bar for everyone? Here are a few facts that you must definitely know.
Bar of soap can carry germs
The common misconception is that since soap itself is a cleansing agent it cannot be contaminated or have germs. But a study published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research in 2006 says that different types of germs were traced on the bar of soap when they were tested.
Similarly, an American study has also said that 62% of bar soap in hospitals was contaminated whereas only 3% of liquid soap had germs which is comparatively very less. These germs can spread from person to person when used.
The experts said that the germs on the soap bar include shigella bacteria, E.coli, salmonella, and even viruses like staph, rotavirus, and norovirus. Many times these germs spread through scratches or wounds while most of the time they spread through feces.
Germs on soap usually do not transmit disease
Despite the fact that germs are present on soap bars, generally, they do not transmit diseases. Studies have proved that despite washing hands multiple times with the soap bar contaminated with germs the bacteria or the viruses were not transferred.
So, the experts deduced that even after repeated use of contaminated soap bars, there is very less possibility of a health hazard.
One infection makes contaminated soap bars unsafe
Even though most of the germs are not transferred from the soap bar, one particular infection that can lead to recurring issues is the antibiotic-resistant staph infection caused due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). And that is why health experts recommend that sharing personal items such as soap bars must be avoided.