Answer:
One effect of regularly washing with antibacterial agents is the removal of beneficial microorganisms known as normal microbiota or normal flora.
Step-by-step explanation:
This can result in several issues:
Increased susceptibility to infections - The normal microbiota play an important role in defending against pathogens and regulating immune function. Removing too much of the normal flora can weaken these defenses and make you more prone to infections.
Disruption of metabolic processes - Many of the microbes in the normal microbiota assist in digestive and metabolic processes. Disrupting these populations can impair nutrient breakdown and absorption. This can lead to malnutrition, diarrhea, and other GI issues.
Overgrowth of antibiotic-resistant pathogens - When the normal microbiota are repeatedly exposed to antibacterial agents, the resistant bacteria within those populations are selected for and amplified. This can lead to overgrowth of antibiotic-resistant strains that are harder to treat.
Skin conditions - The microbes that naturally colonize healthy skin play an important role in maintaining skin health. Removing too much of the normal skin flora can upset this balance and potentially cause conditions like dermatitis, folliculitis, and skin infections.
Issues with microbiome recolonization - Once the normal flora are severely disrupted, they may have difficulty reestablishing themselves even after antibacterial use is stopped. This can prolong any negative effects on immune function, metabolism, etc.
In summary, overuse of antibacterial agents can disturb the normal balance of beneficial microorganisms living on and inside us. This disruption of the microbiota and microbiome can increase susceptibility to infections, impair metabolic processes, facilitate antibiotic resistance, and potentially cause skin conditions and other issues.