Actually, it's kind of reassuring that things that old are still able to withstand the scrutiny of a current review.
I think a brush CAN become infected and harbor bacteria
- Thread starter Zippersmith
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Actually, it's kind of reassuring that things that old are still able to withstand the scrutiny of a current review.
I am adding this info as an FYI in case anyone is interested. This is a way to both disinfect skin, as well as materials that come in contact with skin:
A dilute solution of sodium hypophosphate (0.25% w/v) will kill most cutaneous pathogens, without being toxic to skin cells. If you take one tablespoon of chlorox in one quart of water, this will give you that approximate concentration. I know this can be quite effective because I specialize in blistering diseases and work with patients with extensive skin erosions. These patients often get skin infections, but I find with the use of the dilute chlorine solution, the incidence of infections is cut down considerably.
Also, here is a pdf that talks about how to make the solution, the best one to use is one quarter strength solution:
http://doreen.mkbmemorial.com/NF/dakins.pdf
The amount of chlorine in this is not that much more than what is used in a public swimming pool, and while I have never used it on brushes, I do know that, used occasionally, it has no significant effect on human hair. So, while I am not a veterinarian, I would suppose that badger hair would not be that much different.
Pete
A dilute solution of sodium hypophosphate (0.25% w/v) will kill most cutaneous pathogens, without being toxic to skin cells. If you take one tablespoon of chlorox in one quart of water, this will give you that approximate concentration. I know this can be quite effective because I specialize in blistering diseases and work with patients with extensive skin erosions. These patients often get skin infections, but I find with the use of the dilute chlorine solution, the incidence of infections is cut down considerably.
Also, here is a pdf that talks about how to make the solution, the best one to use is one quarter strength solution:
http://doreen.mkbmemorial.com/NF/dakins.pdf
The amount of chlorine in this is not that much more than what is used in a public swimming pool, and while I have never used it on brushes, I do know that, used occasionally, it has no significant effect on human hair. So, while I am not a veterinarian, I would suppose that badger hair would not be that much different.
Pete
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The mix for Barbacide is 1oz. per gallon. I'm not sure how a natural bristle, badger or boar would stand up the stuff though. You can get the MSDS sheet for it here: http://www.king-research.com/pdf/msds/Barbicide_MSDS.pdf
I live north of Chicago, and blow on a whistle to keep tigers away.
Haven't seen one since I started.
Anecdotal evidence is no evidence at all!!
Haven't seen one since I started.
Anecdotal evidence is no evidence at all!!
Wow!! That 16oz bottle would last forever!!!
I live north of Chicago, and blow on a whistle to keep tigers away.
Haven't seen one since I started.
Anecdotal evidence is no evidence at all!!
I hear you. I have a creepy feeling that at some point all this is going to come full circle. We will hear a story about folks that are causing themselves problems by using stuff soaked in Barbacide with a frequency far higher than having their hair combed by a barber when they get a hair cut.
I'm sure professional users would go through it a bit quicker than mere mortals would
Totally agree. Here is a well designed clinical trial that demonstrates the effectiveness of dilute bleach on reducing skin infections.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.o...T=paller&VOLUME=123&gca=pediatrics;123/5/e808
If I bought a used brush, I would certainly clean it...
but stressing about your own brushes????
Do people carry sani-wipes for the silverware in a restaraunt?
Or a phone?
How many times a day do you touch your face after touching door knobs, papers, drawer pulls etc without having washed your hands?
I'm not knocking due care and attention, but sometimes we as a society are just so afraid of our own shadow that it saddens me.
Yeah, It's like we're all a bunch of ponsie hairdressers or something.
Well, not me, other people. I actually, horror of horrors, rinse my face between passes with the water in the sink basin.
I would not buy a used brush just for the cootie factor. Used razor no problem because I can soak it in star-san.
Speaking of resistant bacteria there are strains that can grow on the inside of bleach bottles, google slime molds...some nasty stuff.
Speaking of resistant bacteria there are strains that can grow on the inside of bleach bottles, google slime molds...some nasty stuff.
Strep and staph, which are the main causes of skin infections, are both effectively killed by diluted bleach. Even methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus MRSA, which can be resistant to multiple antibiotics, is readily killed by diluted bleach.
http://www.stopmrsanow.org/facts.html
http://www.factsaboutbleach.com/mrsa.html
Yeah but when you're talking about somethng like a brush there are places where the bleach will not reach. Plus, you don't know where that brush has been, ew.
For everyday shave I would recommend 2 brushes. One for each day
So you're looking for something that's effective against "ew"?
I knocked my brush into the toilet yesterday. If I use it again am I gonna die?
It's pretty clear from the links I provided that dilute bleach is an effective way to sanitize the skin as well as skin related equipment. If your own 'ew factor' trumps these data so be it. You should feel comfortable with shaving.
I hear a few rounds of "Circle, Cirlce, Dot, Dot" will clear up any "ew" or "cooties" that you might run into.
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