Expert warns using soap in shower may actually be bad for us in long term

Regularly showering using soap may be doing your body more harm than good, a US doctor has suggested. Antibacterial soap, often containing harsh chemicals, removes the dirt and grime your body accumulates over the day but can prevent your body from recognising “good” bacteria.

Robynne Chutkan, founder of the Digestive Center for Women in Chevy Chase, Maryland, claimed by “scouring ourselves in the shower every day, we are actually stripping our skin of bacteria that keep us acne and eczema free.” Dr Chutkan claims the human body only needs a “rinse” most days – even after a sweaty workout. Dirt doesn’t cause disease - but repeatedly killing off the good bacteria on our skin may actually harm our immunity.”

During cold and flu season people should be more cautious, regularly washing their hands with soap and warm water, but Dr Chutkan stressed hand sanitizers were not worthwhile. “Unless you’ve been hanging out on an Ebola ward, the vast majority of microbes on your skin and hands are not virulent germs that cause serious infection; they’re harmless bacteria that won’t hurt you,” she told Health News.

Last year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released a report suggesting untreatable bacterial infections were emerging globally due to the widespread use of anti-bacterial gels. The report suggested a number of common viruses had mutated into drug-resistant strains, making them much harder to control or eradicate.

Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a. Some of the bacteria on our skin are beneficial.

b. It is a must to use soap in the shower every day.

c. Most microbes on the skin are harmful.

d. Nowadays it is much easier to get rid of bacterial infections.

Question 2 (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words.

a. What do we need to do in order to keep clean?

b. What are the risks of using anti-bacterial gels?

Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.

a. unpleasant (par.1)                   b. eliminate (par.1)                            c. in fact(par.2)

d. careful (par.3)                         e. extensive (par.4)

Question 4 (1.5 points) Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.

a. We are actually stripping our skin of bacteria that keep us acne and eczema free.                 Our skin ………………………………

b.    “ Dirt doesn’t cause disease - but repeatedly killing off the good bacteria on our skin may actually harm our immunity.” 

    Dr. Chutkan said ………………………

c. Some common viruses have mutated into drug-resistant strains because people use too much soap.

          If people ………………………..

  Question 5 (3 points) Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:

            What healthy habits do you have?