Question: I am certain that you have been asked this question a million times, but I had to ask, "Are antibacterial soaps better than regular soap?"

Answer: I am very glad that you e-mailed me with that question !  There is quite a bit of confusion (and many debates) surrounding this topic, but I will attempt to clear the air and really give you the "Dirt on Soap".

First of all it is important to understand the two basic functions of soap, which are to decrease the water's surface tension and bind to dirt, oil,  and bacteria that are easily scrubbed off (friction, friction and more friction) and washed away.  This occurs because one component of soap is water binding and the other is water repellent.   Now that the chemistry lesson is over, we can proceed.

It seems as though just about everything is antibacterial these days, including about 75% of all liquid soaps on the market!  But are they really working?  Are we cleaner now than ever before?

Sorry, I should be answering  the questions, not asking them!  Please consider the following:

A common component found in antibacterial soaps is triclosan, which really needs to be left on the surface for about two minutes in order to be effective .  Now this is wonderful but most of us are not this patient and we usually end up washing off the soap before the antibacterial ingredients can work.  Also, please keep in mind that many common diseases are viral in nature anyway, and are not prevented by using antibacterial products.

Before I quote the experts, let me say that 1 personally neither support nor condemn the use of antibacterial soaps,  however I do agree with the following statements:

A spokesperson for the FDA stated the benefit of regular use of antibacterial soap products has not been fully demonstrated.   He notes that washing your hands with regular soap and water will sufficiently  remove bacteria from your hands.

Some scientists theorize that bacteria may develop a resistance to bacterial agents over time.  Certain bacteria actually benefit us.  The normal population of bacteria on our skin helps defend against truly harmful, invasive bacteria.
According to the CDC  (Center for Disease Control) antibacterial soaps are  not necessary.  But washing  your hands thoroughly  with ordinary soap and  warm water is one of the most effective ways  to  ward off infection.
I think the above statements really say it all (I really would love to say more, but that would require my own newsletter), and I hope that it answered  your question, or at least gave you something to think about!

Question:  My older son recently brought a Gecko home with him and my 4 year old wants to pick it up and play with it.  Is this safe?

Answer:  It may not be!  That cute little Gecko may be tempting to pick up and hold, but remember he (or she if you can tell, I can't) carries an infectious disease called salmonella.  Salmonella can cause a disease called salmonellosis, which can cause many symptoms including, but not limited to, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and cramping.  The infected person may take up to 2 or 3 days to become symptomatic.

The best defense against salmonellosis is, you guessed it, HANDWASHING!

Salmonellosis is spread through direct contact with the bacteria that is present in the feces of the reptile.  Due to the fact that the Gecko (or any reptile - turtles too!) lives in a very confined area, the bacteria may be found anywhere in the tank/cage.  The disease can be contracted by general cleaning of the tank/cage as well as by picking the cute little creature up.

Although this bacteria as a rule is harmless and asymptomatic for the reptile, it can be very harmful to humans, especially infants, young children and the elderly.  Usually most people will be symptomatic for several days and then feel better.  Others may need to be treated at a higher level of care, and for some (although very rare) it may be life threatening.

Always insist that after cleaning the cage or touching the cute little Gecko that hands are washed.  (Better yet, insist that gloves should be used when cleaning the cage.)  Also, try to never  wash out the cage in the kitchen or bathroom sink or tub.  This is the best way to prevent the spread of the disease.

So, as long as good infection control practices are followed your child's pet will not only be a joy to have and care for, but a wonderful learning experience as well!

Question: This summer I will be caring for two children with peanut allergies.  I have never had to provide care for a child with allergies in the past, any advice?

Answer:  You should begin by having a discussion with the parents in advance so that you have a clear understanding of each child's condition.  One child may only exhibit hives from direct contact with peanuts, while for another child even inhaling peanut dust may be enough to give him/her a full blown anaphylactic reaction.  So, keep in mind that reactions to peanuts may be different for each child!

You will need to formulate an action plan for each child based on the severity of the expected reaction.  This information will aid you in taking the necessary precautions to insure the safety of each child while they are in your care.  If you are not comfortable with any part of the action plan, or have any additional concerns regarding how to handle the expected reaction, (including the use of an Epi-Pen if needed) you must voice those concerns immediately with the parent!  Remember that having effective bi-directional communication and being armed with accurate information is key to helping alleviate any fears that you may have in caring for the child.

It is also advisable as part of the action plan to keep a picture of the child along with a list of his/her allergies and a brief description of any expected reactions in an accessible place should an emergency situation develop.

In may discussions regarding peanut allergies one dimension that is frequently left out is the emotional toll that it takes on the child.  Often the child becomes "labeled" and may even be teased b y his/her peers as being different.  Here is a wonderful opportunity for a teacher to educate other children, and parents as well, and hopefully promote a clearer understanding for all regarding allergies.

Finally, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of you feeling confident in your ability to handle a situation where the potential for cardiopulmonary deterioration is a possibility.  So, you always need to be prepared to handle an inadvertent exposure, they can and do happen!