NEW CUTANEOUS BACTERICIDAL AGENT USED IN SOAP

Abstract

In a recent study 1 we investigated the cutaneous bactericidal properties of 2,2′-dihydroxy-3, 5,6-3′5′, 6′-hexachlorodiphenylmethane 2 (hereinafter termed G-11) when incorporated in a toilet soap to the amount of 2 per cent, 3 and found that the routine daily use of this germicidal soap made it possible to reach and maintain an exceedingly low bacterial population on the skin of the hands and forearms. We especially wish to direct attention to the fact that this result can be achieved only by using G-11, or some other equally effective germicide, in a soap or other suitable detergent that is used exclusively by the individual each and every time he has any occasion to use soap for any purpose whatsoever. We stress this point particularly because since our recent publication 1 we have been deluged with requests for information concerning soap to be used for operating room scrub-up.