Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as Staph, is a common bacterium that can lead to various infections. Understanding how certain soaps work against Staph is crucial for effective hygiene and preventing its spread.
What Staph Is and How It Spreads
Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) is a type of bacteria frequently found on human skin and in nasal passages. Many individuals carry Staph without experiencing any symptoms, as it often lives harmlessly on the body. However, if the skin is punctured or broken, these bacteria can enter and cause a range of infections, from minor skin issues like boils and impetigo to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or infections of bones and internal organs.
Staph bacteria are highly contagious and primarily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. They can also spread indirectly by touching contaminated surfaces or objects, such as towels, razors, clothing, or athletic equipment, where the bacteria can survive for hours, days, or even weeks. Sharing personal items is a common way for Staph to transmit between individuals.
Soaps That Target Staph
Regular soap primarily works by physically removing bacteria from the skin rather than killing them. Its cleansing action relies on surfactants, which lower the surface tension of water, allowing the soap to lift dirt, oils, and microbes from the skin’s surface. These lifted particles, including Staph bacteria, are then rinsed away with water.
Antibacterial soaps contain active antimicrobial ingredients, such as triclosan or triclocarban, though triclosan has been largely banned from consumer products due to concerns about hormone levels and bacterial resistance. These ingredients are designed to kill or inhibit microorganism growth. While they are marketed to reduce or prevent bacterial infection, studies have indicated that for general public use, antibacterial soaps are often no more effective than regular soap and water at preventing illness or reducing bacterial contamination on hands.
Antiseptic soaps, often used in healthcare settings, possess stronger antimicrobial properties due to active ingredients like chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone-iodine. These agents chemically disrupt bacterial cell membranes or metabolic processes, leading to bacterial inactivation or death. Such soaps are reserved for situations requiring a higher level of microbial reduction, like before surgery or for managing existing infections. For routine daily hygiene, regular soap and proper handwashing are generally sufficient to remove Staph bacteria.
How Soaps Work and Effective Handwashing
The effectiveness of soap against Staph stems from its unique chemical structure. Soaps contain surfactant molecules with a water-attracting (hydrophilic) head and an oil-attracting (hydrophobic) tail. When hands are washed, the hydrophobic tails attach to oils and dirt on the skin, where germs like Staph reside. The soap then emulsifies these oily particles, forming tiny micelles that trap the dirt and microbes.
As water is introduced, the hydrophilic heads and micelle surfaces interact with water, allowing trapped dirt, oils, and bacteria to be rinsed away. This mechanical action of lifting and rinsing is the primary way regular soap removes Staph.
Regardless of the type of soap used, effective handwashing technique is paramount. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wetting hands with clean, running water, applying soap, and then lathering by rubbing hands together. It is important to scrub all surfaces of the hands, including the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails, for at least 20 seconds. This duration allows sufficient time for the soap to work its mechanical action. Finally, hands should be rinsed well under running water and dried with a clean towel or air dryer.
Additional Steps to Prevent Staph
Beyond handwashing, several other practices are important for preventing Staph infections. Proper wound care is a significant preventative measure; any cuts, scrapes, or skin breaks should be kept clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. This prevents Staph bacteria from entering the body and limits the spread of bacteria from existing infections.
Avoiding the sharing of personal items is crucial, as Staph can spread through shared towels, razors, washcloths, clothing, and athletic equipment. Regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces in the home, such as doorknobs, light switches, and electronic devices, can help reduce Staph bacteria. For athletes or individuals participating in activities involving close skin contact or shared equipment, showering immediately after exercise with soap and water is recommended. Washing clothing and bedding at the warmest temperature recommended by the label can also help eliminate Staph.