A study on the effect of commercial shower gels on normal human skin flora

Human skin is naturally inhabited by a variety of microorganisms known as normal skin flora, which play an important role in protecting the skin from harmful pathogens. Commercial shower gels are widely used for personal hygiene, but their frequent use may influence the normal skin flora. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of commercial shower gels on normal human skin flora. Skin swab samples were collected before and after the use of shower gels and were cultured using nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol agar, EMB agar, and standard microbiological techniques. The observed microbial growth was compared to assess changes in the skin flora. The results indicated that the use of shower gels reduced the number of microorganisms (CFU)on the skin after washing with shower gels, with variations depending on the type of shower gel used. This study highlights that while shower gels help maintain cleanliness, excessive or frequent use may affect the natural balance of skin microflora.