Abstract
Nosocomial infections remain a stubborn problem. Although the use of antiseptic body and hand wash solutions is the greatest deterrent to such infections, adherence to strict procedures fails when irritation is perceived. Antimicrobial efficacy may be reduced and compliance may fail secondary to irritancy-related discomfort. Few studies have been performed to assess the risk of skin damage by antiseptic cleansers, and they have yielded contradictory results. The present study was conducted using the corneosurfametry bioassay to compare three proprietary antiseptic wash formulations to water and to a mild unmedicated skin cleansing product. Large differences in irritancy potential between the test products were found. The providone-iodine wash solution (Iso-Betadine Uniwash) induced significantly less damage to the stratum corneum than the chlorhexidine (Hibiscrub) and quaternary ammonium (RBS HDS 10) products. In conclusion, as well as the in vitro potency and spectrum of activity of antiseptic wash solutions, it is important to bear in mind the potential damage they can inflict on the stratum corneum.
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