Top Antimicrobial Flashcards

Antimicrobials are a type of chemical that kills microbes such as bacteria and fungi. Antimicrobials are commonly used in hand soap, where they’re designed to kill infectious bacteria and keep people safe. There are also other, stronger antimicrobials like bleach that can be used in cleaning and industrial settings, but are too powerful to use on living bodies. These antimicrobials are found in cleaning products, but should not be used on skin.

Although antimicrobials exist to keep us safe and healthy, if they’re used incorrectly they can have exactly the opposite effect. That’s because some microorganisms, especially bacteria, can develop an immunity to antimicrobials if they’re applied too often or at the wrong time. That’s why it’s important to use hand sanitizer in moderation, and never take antibiotics unless they’re prescribed by a doctor. While some use of antimicrobial soap is important for keeping yourself and others healthy, it is also possible to overdo it and have the opposite effect.