DEAR DR. GOTT:
I read your articles about the bar of soap under the bed sheets. It helped the cramps my wife was getting at night. I thought that Dial liquid soap applied to the arthritic area of my left food might be stronger and work better so I tried it. It worked well, so then I applied some to my aching lower back. Again, it helped. I then put some on my stomach and had trouble that day with lightheadedness after sitting for a short time.

I decided to check out the soap and found that most, if not all, antibacterial soaps now have triclosan in them. This can create dioxins which are highly toxic even in very small amounts. This can also create chloroform. This may have been what relieved the pain in those areas but now I wonder if it is safe to use these soaps even sparingly.

DEAR READER:
My understanding is that dangerous compounds in antibacterial soaps are only a problem if they are swallowed. I believe that you are safe to continue using your present produce for bathing or the soap-under-the-sheets therapy. However, if you feel uncomfortable, try using a regular soap that does not contain antibacterial agents, such as Ivory and others.