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Are medicated soaps safe for school children?

When used as regular toilet soap, medicated soaps can eliminate the beneficial microorganisms on our skin, known as normal flora. PHOTO/HEALTH
LINE.COM

What you need to know:

  • Many medicated soaps contain Triclosan, a chemical linked to hormonal imbalances. Research suggests that Triclosan can mimic estrogen, potentially leading to early puberty in young girls. 

You mentioned that medicated soaps can be harmful, but boarding schools recommend them to prevent infections. If they are harmful, what is the better alternative? Anna

Dear Anna, Medicated soaps are designed to kill germs on the body, and doctors may prescribe them for specific skin conditions, such as septic infections. However, I have not seen Ugandan doctors routinely recommend them for general use. When used as regular toilet soap, medicated soaps can eliminate the beneficial microorganisms on our skin, known as normal flora. This disruption may allow resistant bacteria to invade, leading to infections that are difficult to treat (superbugs).

Many medicated soaps contain Triclosan, a chemical linked to hormonal imbalances. Research suggests that Triclosan can mimic estrogen, potentially leading to early puberty in young girls. 

This may cause emotional issues and increase the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer. Additionally, because Triclosan behaves like a xenoestrogen (a foreign estrogen-like compound), it can disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and possibly affecting fertility.

In Uganda today, medicated soaps are often overused and prescribed unnecessarily. For everyday hygiene, ordinary toilet soap is just as effective as medicated soap in removing harmful bacteria, especially when used for at least 30 seconds without the risk of hormonal disruption or harm to beneficial bacteria.