Final answer:
The recommended cleansing agents for hand hygiene in high-risk infection areas are antimicrobial products. Antiseptics are suitable for microbial control on tissues to prevent infection. It is important to balance the use of antimicrobial soaps to prevent increased risk of infection due to bacterial resistance and natural flora disruption.
Step-by-step explanation:
In any setting where the risk of infection is high, the recommended cleansing agents for hand hygiene are antimicrobial products. Regular liquid or bar hand soap may not be sufficient in such environments. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) emphasizes the importance of effective handwashing, recommending either soap and water or a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable.
Regarding the suitability for use on tissues for microbial control to prevent infection, antiseptics are designed for such a purpose. Disinfectants are too harsh for tissue and are used on non-living surfaces. Sterilants are used for complete sterilization, and water alone does not provide microbial control.
While many people use antimicrobial soap to kill bacteria, overuse can lead to an increased risk of infection. This is due to the possibility of bacteria developing resistance to these antimicrobial agents. Moreover, overuse may disrupt the natural skin flora, which provides a protective barrier against harmful microbes.
The CDC handwashing recommendations for the general public indicate that either warm or cold running water can be used for handwashing, with the key factor being the proper technique and use of soap. For preventing the spread of COVID-19, both hand sanitizer and soap and water are effective, with the latter being particularly beneficial because the mechanical action of handwashing helps remove pathogens from the skin.
Antimicrobial Activity from Soil
When it comes to yielding compounds with antimicrobial activity, soil has been a significant source. Many antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents have been discovered in soil microorganisms.
Lastly, the claim that using antibacterial hand soaps or household products is healthier is a subject of debate. Although some may provide a level of cleanliness, there is concern around ingredients such as triclosan, which have been scrutinized for safety and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.