In this study we will test the ability of different commercially available hand soaps to effect the amount of anti-microbial peptides present on the surface of the human skin after washing with these soaps. Based on our experiments on pig skin, we expect the amount of antimicrobial peptide expression to decrease after using these different soaps.

We will use tape-stripping methods to determine the level of antimicrobial peptides (specifically LL-37) present on the human skin after washing with different commercially available hand soaps. First we will do a baseline tape-stripping procedure to measure the amount of LL-37 on subjects' forearms. Tape stripping involves applying small, round tapes (CuDerm, Dallas, TX) to the skin, massaging them for about 10 second, and then removing them. This process is repeated 9 times for each tape. After doing baseline tape stripping samples, each participant's forearms will be washed with a different soap. The soap will be rinsed off, and the skin allowed to dry. After the forearms are dry (about 5 minutes later), repeat tape-stripping will be performed. This tape-stripping process will then be repeated 4 hours later, and then 24 hours later as well. Results of the LL-37 expression at each time point will then be compared between soaps.