Comparative antibacterial effectiveness of alcohol and herbal based commercially available hand antiseptics

Abstract

Background: Human skin is a reservoir of numerous microorganisms. Even though hand washing with soap and water alone reduces the microbial load, the complementary uses of hand antiseptics enhance the antimicrobial effect. Aim: To compare the antimicrobial effectiveness of two commercially available hand antiseptics, routinely used in dental practice, after hand washing with antiseptic soap. Method: A clinical trial with cross over design was carried out on 12 health care workers (HCWs). The antibacterial effectiveness of two hand antiseptics (Alcohol based -Sterillium and Herbal Based-Himalaya's 'Pure Hands') compared using fingerprint contact sampling on blood agar. Bacterial samples were obtained before and after hand washing (with antiseptic soap) and after hand disinfection. The data was tabulated and analyzed using one way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test for pair-wise comparison. Result: There was a slight decrease in the Colony forming units (CFUs) count following use of antiseptic soap when compared to the baseline values. A statistically significant reduction (p<0.000) in the CFUs count was seen following use of both hand antiseptics but the mean number of CFUs reduction was more in case of alcohol based hand antiseptic(sterillium) than herbal based hand antiseptic(Himalaya's 'PureHands). Conclusion: Using alcohol based antiseptic soap before hygienic hand disinfection will provide maximum benefit in reducing the microbial count.