Foam soap can lead to improved hygiene says new study
May 1st 2005

Foam soap may encourage end users to improve their hand hygiene, according to new research commissioned by Lotus Professional

Conducted by the School of Psychology at Birmingham University, the study compared the potential effects of different soap substances on people’s behaviour.Compared to a traditional bar of soap, the study indicated that foam soap may encourage users to wash their hands more regularly.

The research, by undergraduate Shoko French, was an initial investigation into how the brain uses sensory input after washing the hands, to maintain accurate touch perception and control of movement.The study involved a series of tests* which were carried out over two days on 10 healthy female and 10 healthy male volunteer participants ranging from 20 to 51 years of age.

Ms French’s supervisor Professor of Human Movement at the School of Psychology,Alan Wing:“In a number of tests participants demonstrated positive responses to the foam soap compared to bar soap.These positive responses included increased sensitivity of touch perception.This extra sensitivity may have contributed to a more pleasant hand washing experience and encourage end users to wash their hands more regularly.” “It would be interesting to build on these findings to assess the exact reasons why the foam soap results in these responses. It may be because of a certain ingredient in the foam or relate to how it feels on the skin.Compared to bar soap, foam is less harsh and allows users to better sense their own skin, which in turn may lead to a difference in behaviour.” Lotus Professional trade marketing manager Karen Halifax: “Encouraging people to use soap when washing their hands is vital as it is proven to reduce cross-infection.Compared to a bar of soap that is likely to have been touched and used by many people beforehand, and therefore may well be far less attractive to the potential user, a foam soap dispenser gives the user peace of mind that they are handling previously ‘un-touched’ soap, which is much more appealing.

“The study highlights to us other potential benefits of foam soap in improving hygiene levels. In addition to enhancing touch perception, foam soap can increase the quality of wash as it provides fast and effective hand coverage without the need to invigorate into lather and ensures hands are far less sticky once washed.”

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