When I saw this story "In Praise Of Dirt" on Yahoo about the relationship between too much cleanliness and eczema. I had to agree with the findings published in the British Medical Journal that there is some relationship between being too clean and the increased incidence of childhood eczema, asthma and allergies.
I most wholeheartedly support good handwashing but I reject the idea of using antibacterial soap for a similar reason to the results they have found. Nurses that have researched handwashing with ordinary soap and antibacterial soap find that too many good bacteria may be being killed with the antibacterial soap and the door may be opened for the growth of super germs as a result. Only those persons who really need to i.e. those who work in the Operating room or a similar environment, should probably use the antibacterial products. Therapy Resources Inc. publishes a page every year around flu season, that is widely copied and heavily visited, which teaches about good handwashing with ordinary soap. Good handwashing is the number one way to prevent the spread of illness. It's ok to get a little dirty, use common sense and wash your hands well.
Another related issue, that is a pet peeve of mine, is the overuse of antibiotics. Healthcare professionals have known for a long time that antibiotics have been overprescribed, many have lost their effectiveness and germs have become resistant. However it's been taking too long for the public to come around and stop demanding antibiotics for their viral illnesses. Just the other day my mom told me that the doctor prescribed an antibiotic for my dad's cold. Even though the doctor said that it wouldn't make any difference my dad wanted something. My mom acknowledged that it probably wouldn't help but what are you going to do? Well mom and anyone else who feels that way, there are super bugs out there now that cannot be stopped lets not create any more.