Regular Soap Research Articles

Dissolvable shower gel tablets with enhanced skin benefits.

The excessive use of plastic packaging, even though it is possible to recycle it, is one of the main causes of global warming. In this study, dissolvable shower gel tablets for multiple uses have been developed in order to reduce the use of fresh plastic packaging. The appropriate ratio of two surfactants, cocoyl glutamic acid (CGA) and sodium coco sulphate (SCS), was optimized using design of experiments. Additionally, skin hydration of the emollient either omega oil or glycerine was taken into account when determining its concentration. After that, powdered shower gel formulations were made and tested for their properties, including cleaning power, and foamability. On 30 humanvolunteers, the effects of reconstituted shower gel on skin redness, cleaning effectiveness and overall satisfaction were evaluated. The study found that, when cleaning power and foam height were taken into account, the proper surfactant ratio was 7.5:0 (SCS:CGA). The 5% glycerine shower gel formula demonstrated significantly greater skin hydration than other formulas. The in vivo study's findings demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference between selected formulas (5% glycerine and 2.5% omega oil) in terms of cleaning ability. Comparing both formulas to the control, neither showed any skin redness. Additionally, it was discovered that the developed products were much more effective at cleaning and easier to use when washing for the volunteers than regular liquid soap. Overall satisfaction and the moisturizing feel were not significantly different among all products. The formula with 7.5% SCS and 5% glycerine is said to be the best one for both cleaning ability and moisturizing effect. These findings suggest that dissolvable shower gel tablets with enhanced skin benefits could offer a promising innovation in the personal care industry.

P-439 Intimate hygiene practices and the correlation with abnormal vaginal microbiota in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients – a cohort study in 1421 patients

Abstract Study question What are the intimate hygiene practices of women in IVF treatment and do they correlate with the vaginal microbiota? Summary answer Hygiene practices, in specific douching and use of intimate soap significantly increased the risk of abnormal vaginal microbiota (AVM). What is known already The normal vaginal microbiota acts as a defense system against infection. AVM is a molecularly defined vaginal dysbiosis, resembling bacterial vaginosis (BV) and is dominated by anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis. Importantly, AVM is associated with an increased risk of genital tract infections, poor IVF outcomes, early miscarriage and preterm labor. The cause of AVM is multifactorial and hygiene practices may interrupt the normal microbiota. Previous small studies suggested vaginal douching to be associated with an increased risk of AVM. Few studies have investigated the possible correlation between intimate hygiene practices, menstrual practices and the vaginal microbiota. Study design, size, duration Observational cohort study, including a total of 1421 IVF patients from four Danish fertility centers. The inclusion period was from 2017 to January 2022. Participants/materials, setting, methods Patients aged 18-42 years and undergoing their first, second or third IVF stimulation cycle were eligible for inclusion. The intimate hygiene practices in terms of type of soap, menstrual protection, douching and probiotics, were reported in a structured questionnaire including a total of 40 questions. Vaginal swabs were obtained prior to ovarian stimulation and subsequently subjected to quantitative PCR testing, targeting DNA of dysbiotic bacteria. Main results and the role of chance AVM was present in a total of 34 % (479/1421) of women, and 20% (272/1384) reported vaginal douching, which significantly correlated with AVM (p < 0.01, OR = 1.62 [1.23-2.12]). Intimate soap was used by 39 % (535/1384) of patients, which also significantly increased the risk of AVM ( P = 0.04, OR = 1.35 [1.08-1.69]). Water only was used by 36% (492/1384), and regular soap was used by 27% (374/1384). No correlation between use of water only and regular soap and AVM was detected. For menstrual protection 40% (433/1078) used pads, followed by tampons alone 25% (265/1078) or a combination 21% (230/1078), and 14 % (148/1078) used a menstrual cup. A trend for an increased risk of AVM when using tampons, OR 1.21 [0.91-1.62] was seen whereas use of a menstrual cup seemed to lower the risk of AVM, OR 0.71 [0.48-1.04] Active smoking, higher BMI, drinking >7 units per week and previous chlamydia infection significantly correlated with AVM (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, p = 0.04 and p = 0.01). Finally, 84% (1190/1421) reported gynecological symptoms such as vaginal discharge, dyspareunia and fungal infection, but only fishy odor significantly correlated with AVM (p < 0.01). Limitations, reasons for caution To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study investigating the intimate hygiene practice and its correlation with AVM in an IVF population. As these results describe the practices of a Scandinavian IVF population, results may differ from other settings and ethnicities. Wider implications of the findings Exploration of the cause-and-effect relations between intimate hygiene practices and AVM is needed, requiring intervention-based prospective studies. This would lead to evidence-based advice on intimate hygiene practices and AVM prevention, possibly increasing live birth rates. The unexpected high prevalence of douching in a Danish IVF population needs further exploration. Trial registration number NCT03420859

The knowledge, attitudes and practices of hand, foot, and mouth disease prevention strategies amongst parents and educators of children under 5 years amidst COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is endemic in Singapore. Prevention efforts have been ramped up since major outbreaks in the early 2000's. This study aims to assess the current knowledge, and attitudes towards and practise (KAP) levels of HFMD prevention strategies (HFMD-PS) amongst parents and teachers of children under 5 years amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A convenience sample of 240 teachers and 404 parents responded to a self-administered standardised questionnaire between mid-October and December 2020. A scoring framework was used to assess responses in the 'knowledge', 'attitude', and 'practice' domains. A multivariable analysis was adjusted for ethnicity and attitudes towards getting children to follow proper handwashing steps and regularly disinfecting children's toys amongst parents, knowledge about HFMD's infectious period, and the responses to a child turning symptomatic in the childcare centre amongst teachers. Existing levels of knowledge and attitudes of parents and teachers were not high, and only a small proportion practised high levels of prevention measures (99 parents and 28 teachers). Key facilitators for a higher practise level in parents include the following: (1) awareness of regular liquid soap's efficacy as a disinfectant, (2) toy cleaning before and after playtime, and (3) the cleaning agent used for this practise. Teachers had no significant factors associated with higher practise levels. This study suggested potential gaps between positive knowledge and attitudes towards prevention strategies and their actual adoption levels in homes and childcare centres during COVID-19 pandemic. These evidences suggest the importance of continuous promotion of HFMD prevention practise in homes and childcare centres, even amidst pandemics.

The Relationship Between Diaper Use and Skin Irritation Incidence in Toddlers Aged 0-3 Years at PMB Ani Mahmudah SST Lamongan

Diaper rash is a skin problem in the genital area of ​​infants and toddlers, which is characterized by the appearance of red patches on the skin. Baby's skin is still sensitive because its functions are still developing, especially in the epidermis or the outermost layer of the skin which provides natural protection for the skin from the surrounding environment. Continuous use of diapers for too long will increase the sensitivity of the baby's skin so that it can cause skin irritation. That's why baby's skin is more sensitive and prone to skin disorders. Disorders that usually arise in the form of a skin rash known as diaper rash or diaper rash. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the use of instant diapers and the incidence of diaper rash in toddlers aged 0-3 years at PMB Ani Maheasy SST, Kab. Lamongan Year 2021. The design in this research is an observational analytic with a cross sectional design. The population in this study were all toddlers aged 0-3 years at PMB Ani Maheasy, SST Lamongan from January to February 2021. A sample of 29 people was obtained using the Simple Random Sampling technique. The independent variable is diaper use and the dependent variable is the incidence of skin irritation. The instrument used was a questionnaire sheet in the form of a checklist regarding the variables of diaper use and the incidence of skin irritation compiled by researchers who had conducted validity and reliability tests, then the results were analyzed using the chi square test with a significant level of = 0.05. Based on the results of statistical tests using the Chi-square value, the results of p value: 0.000 < α:0.05 indicate that there is a relationship between the use of instant diapers and the incidence of diaper rash in toddlers aged 0-3 years at PMB Ani Maheasy SST, Kab. Lamongan Year 2021. p value: 0.000 < α:0.05. The solution for using diapers with skin irritation in toddlers is by washing their hands with regular soap before touching the baby's genitals, and the mother's behavior in playing an important role in caring for the little one should check the baby's diaper as often, if skin irritation occurs, apply a cream/ointment to prevent irritation. It is expected that existing health workers such as posyandu cadres can provide information about how to use instant diapers properly, such as information about when is the right time to change diapers and the right type of diaper to use on babies to avoid rashes in babies as a result of using instant diapers.

Number of Bacterial Colonies After Washing Hands with Antiseptic Soap and Regular Soap: A Study on Department of Health Analyst Students in Poltekkes Kemenkes Pontianak

Hand washing is a healthy activity carried out by many parties. Getting used to wash your hands properly will increase health. The soap on the market is plain hand washing soap and antiseptic handwashing soap. The second type is claimed to be more effective in reducing the amount of bacterial contamination than plain soap because it contains antimicrobial ingredients to increase product sales. This study aims to determine the differences in the number of bacterial colonies on the palms of students who wash their hands with antiseptic soap and plain soap among students of Analyst Department of Pontianak Health Polytechnic, Minister of Health. This research was quasi-experimental, with 24 respondents. Each respondent was asked to wash hands properly twice, the first with plain soap that does not contain an antiseptic (A) and the second with soap containing antiseptic (B). After examining the number of bacteria on the respondent’s thumb, the average number of bacterial colonies got in treatments A and B was 45,5 and 38,8 CFU, respectively. Mann-Whitney U statistical test results got a probability value of 0.391> 0.05, which means there is no difference in the number of bacterial colonies in the palms that washing hands with plain soap and with antiseptic soap. This study revealed the fact that the number of bacterial colonies in the group that washed hands with antiseptic soap was lower than those who washed their hands with ordinary soap.

Staphylococcus spp Resistance to Chlorhexidine: Is There Any Impact Related to the Routine Use for Hand Hygiene?

Background: Although guidelines recommend the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) for hand hygiene (HH), the impact of its routine use on antimicrobial resistance is not clear. Objective: To analyze the impact on the CHG susceptibility among isolates obtained from hands of HCW during its routine use for HH. Methods: We conducted a crossover study at 4 medical-surgical wards of a tertiary-care hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. In 2 units (intervention group), we established routine use of CHG for HH. For the other 2 units (control group), regular soap was provided. The availability of alcohol formulation for HH was not changed during the study. Every 4 months we swapped the units, ie, those using CHG changed for regular soap and vice versa. At baseline, we cultured the hands of HCWs. Only nursing staff hands were investigated. For hand culturing, HCWs placed their hands inside a sterile bag containing a solution of phosphate-buffered saline, Tween 80, and sodium thiosulfate. After the solution incubated overnight, it was inoculated onto brain-heart infusion. Next, it was plated on McConkey and Mannitol agar. MALDI-TOF was used for identification. Agar dilution was performed for Staphylococcus spp. We selected all Staphylococcus spp with MIC ≥ 8 and performed inhibition of efflux pump test. For isolates that showed a decrease of 2 dilutions, we searched the gene qacA/B by polymerase chain reaction. Results: We obtained 262 samples from HCW hands yielding 428 isolates. The most frequent genera were Staphylococcus spp (58%), Acinetobacter spp (8%), Enterobacter spp (8%), Stenotrophomonas spp (5%), Klebsiella spp (4%), Pseudomonas spp (3%), and others (14%). Staphylococcus spp were less frequent in the intervention compared to control group (43% vs 61%; OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29–0.69; P = .005). Among all Staphylococcus spp, the proportion of chlorhexidine resistance (RCHG; MIC ≥ 8) was 12%. All resistant isolates recovered susceptibility after inoculation with pump-efflux inhibitor. For pump-inhibited isolates, 53% had the gene qacA/B amplified by PCR. We did not investigate RCHG among gram-negative isolates. There was a nonsignificant increase in Staphylococcus spp RCHG in the intervention group (4% to 6%; P = .90). Healthcare-acquired infection rates did not change significantly during the intervention. The consumption of CHG increased from 7.3 to 13.9 mL per patient day. Conclusions: We did not detect a significant difference in RCHG during the routine use of CHG for HH, although we observed increasing resistance. Further investigation is needed to clarify other reasons for increasing MIC to CHG.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

An Eco-friendly Alternative to Polyethylene Microbeads in Personal Healthcare Products

Recently a huge chunk of the population has shifted towards shower gels. The biggest reason might be the fact that shower gels can provide a better care for the skin. They were made with the motive of providing gentle cleansing and moisturizing qualities contrary to that of a regular soap, so that the people can enjoy a better skin care experience. Shower gels generally use chemicals especially sodium lauryl sulfate and betaines. These are believed to cause skin irritation and may not be washed off properly especially in hard water. The recent shower gels have a combined scrubbing effect included along with the scented or flavored body wash. For the scrubbing activity microbeads are employed. These microbeads used as a scrubber are polymers, e.g. being polyethylene or nylon etc. We know how plastics are harmful to us and the environment. And this is a cause of major concern. And since it is small in size it makes it relatively dangerous. Microbeads, because of their small size, have a large surface area by volume which allows them to accumulate highly toxic materials which are toxic to the person and the environment. To overcome the menace of microbeads we propose an alternative

Does antibacterial soap prevent the spread of infection more than regular soap?

Does antibacterial soap prevent the spread of infection more than regular soap?

Effect of chlorhexidine pretreatment on bacterial contamination at rhinoplasty field.

BackgroundThis study investigated on bacterial contamination of the rhinoplasty field. The effect of preoperative chlorhexidine treatment on decreasing bacterial contamination in the rhinoplasty field is examined. MethodsThirty patients who underwent rhinoplasty were block randomized into a chlorhexidine, regular-soap, or control group comprising ten participants each. The chlorhexidine group was subjected to chlorhexidine showering, shampooing, and facial-cleansing 12 h prior to the operation. The regular-soap group was subjected to cleansing with regular soap, and the control group did not have any skin pretreatment. Bacterial cultures were done 12 h preoperatively from nasal cavity and perinasal skin, immediately preoperatively from perinasal skin and at 1 and 2 h intraoperatively from operation field. Culture results were compared between the three groups, according to operation time, or whether infection-prone procedure was performed.ResultsThe bacterial species and colony-forming unit numbers at preoperative nasal cavity and perinasal skin were similar. In all three groups, Coagulase-negative staphylococcus was the most common bacteria found in the rhinoplasty field. The numbers of Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium decreased rapidly after preoperative chlorhexidine treatment. The infection-prone procedure was associated with increased bacterial numbers over time during the operation. In all three groups, there was no postoperative infection in a follow-up period of 6 months.ConclusionRhinoplasty is confirmed as a clean contaminated operation with skin flora consistently found in the operation field. Chlorhexidine pretreatment in rhinoplasty patients has a tendency to decrease the numbers of Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium on the perinasal skin.Level of evidenceRandomized controlled trial, Level I.

FDA bans antibacterials in consumer soaps

As of next year, companies will no longer be allowed to sell hand and body soaps in the U.S. that contain certain antibacterial ingredients, including triclosan and triclocarban. In a final rule issued on Sept. 2, the Food & Drug Administration says that manufacturers have not shown that the chemicals are safe for long-term daily use. Companies also haven’t shown that the chemicals are more effective than washing with regular soap and water to prevent the spread of germs, FDA says. “Some data suggest that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long term,” says Janet Woodcock, director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation & Research. FDA proposed the rule in late 2013, citing concerns about potential hormonal effects and antibiotic resistance associated with the chemicals. The rule goes into effect on Sept. 6, 2017, but many manufacturers have already stopped using the ingredients. As alternatives, most

A study of the suppression of body odour in elderly subjects by anti-fungal agents.

The suppression of body odour following the use of shampoos or soaps containing the anti-fungal agent miconazole nitrate (MCZ) has been recognized anecdotally. To determine whether MCZ could play a role in the suppression of body odour through inhibiting squalene oxidation. A prospective study recruited 54 elderly subjects residing in a nursing facility who needed bathing assistance. Subjects bathed with three types of body soap over a 6-week study period (regular soap, sample soap (soap containing MCZ), control soap; 2 weeks per type of soap). Body odour was evaluated based on olfactory assessment of the subjects and their clothing. The subjects and the examiners were blinded to the type of soap (sample or control) being used during the study. An analysis using GC/MS was also carried out to identify the volatile compounds associated with body odour. Suppression of unpleasant body odour of the neck and axilla was reported in subjects who used the sample soap. Three common volatile compounds were detected from the T-shirts worn by the subjects: 2-ethylbutanal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and geranylacetone. The occurrence of these compounds was reduced using the sample soap. Our findings suggest that MCZ could play a role in the suppression of body odour.

Hand Hygiene: Knowledge and Attitudes of Fourth-Year Clerkship Medical Students at Alfaisal University, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Little is known about the clerkship (clinical) medical students’ knowledge of hand hygiene as the single most important precautionary measure to reduce nosocomial healthcare-associated infections. The aim of this study is to explore the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, hand hygiene practices among fourth-year clerkship medical students at Alfaisal University, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, paper-based, Yes/No formatted questionnaire was administered to explore the students’ knowledge of, and attitudes towards, hand hygiene practices. Data were decoded in Microsoft Excel sheet and presented as numbers and percentages.Results: One hundred and eleven students (n=111/147) participated in the questionnaire (response rate: 76%). Although the majority of students had a fair knowledge of hand hygiene practices, a number of them had some misconceptions. Only 14% of students correctly agreed to the statement: "Traditional hand washing (water, plus regular soap) decreases the number of germs." Furthermore, only 32% of students correctly answered that "hand washing with a regular soap, instead of an antiseptic soap, is better in limiting the transmission of clostridium difficile infections". Almost all students (93%) agreed to the importance of hand hygiene education in medical curricula and its awareness in healthcare centers. Despite the importance of hand hygiene, only 13% of students reviewed the respective WHO and CDC guidelines before starting their clinical training in the teaching hospital.Discussion: The students’ inadequate knowledge about hand hygiene needs to be enriched by well-structured curricular and extra-curricular programs as well as more positive attitudes by healthcare workers.

Effectiveness of permethrin standard and modified methods in scabies treatment

Background: Permethrin is the drug of choice for scabies with side effects such as erythema, pain, itching and prickling sensation. Whole-body (standard) topical application of permethrin causes discomfort; thus, modified application of permethrin to the lesion only, followed with baths twice daily using soap was proposed. The objective of the study is to know the effectiveness of standard against lesion-only application of permethrin in scabies treatment. Methods: An experimental study was conducted in pesantren in East Jakarta and data was collected in May-July 2012. Diagnosis of scabies was made through anamnesis and skin examination. Subjects positive for scabies were divided into three groups: one standard method group (whole-body topical application) and two modified groups (lesion-only application followed by the use of regular soap and antiseptic soap group). The three groups were evaluated weekly for three consecutive weeks. Data was processed using SPSS 20 and analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Total of 94 subjects was scabies positive (prevalence 50%) but only 69 subjects were randomly picked to be analyzed. The cure rate at the end of week III of the standard method group was 95.7%, modified treatment followed by the use of regular soap was 91.3%, and modified treatment followed by the use of antiseptic soap was 78.3% (p = 0.163). The recurrence rate of standard treatment was 8.7%,  modified treatment followed by the use of regular soap was 13% and modified treatment followed by the use of antiseptic soap was 26.1% (p = 0.250). Conclusion: The standard scabies treatment was as effective as the modified scabies treatment.

Impact of Regular Soap Provision to Primary Schools on Hand Washing and E. coli Hand Contamination among Pupils in Nyanza Province, Kenya: A Cluster-Randomized Trial

We assessed whether supplying soap to primary schools on a regular basis increased pupil hand washing and decreased Escherichia coli hand contamination. Multiple rounds of structured observations of hand washing events after latrine use were conducted in 60 Kenyan schools, and hand rinse samples were collected one time in a subset of schools. The proportion of pupils observed practicing hand washing with soap (HWWS) events was significantly higher in schools that received a soap provision intervention (32%) and schools that received soap and latrine cleaning materials (38%) compared with controls (3%). Girls and boys had similar hand washing rates. There were non-significant reductions in E. coli contamination among intervention school pupils compared with controls. Removing the barrier of soap procurement can significantly increase availability of soap and hand washing among pupils; however, we discuss limitations in the enabling policy and institutional environment that may have prevented reaching desired levels of HWWS.

Does peanut butter transfer from hands to sports equipment?

Methods Baseline samples were taken from a previously used basketball and the hands of an avid basketball player. Five mL of peanut butter was applied to her hands and wiped with a commercial paper towel. The basket ball was dribbled for 5 minutes. Her hands were subsequently washed with regular soap and water. She then played with the potentially contaminated ball for another five minutes. Both rubber and leather basketballs were used. Samples from the ball and hands were taken at each step. The balls were cleaned with commercial bleach cleaner and resampled. Samples were analysed using a monoclonal-based Ara h 1 ELISA. The range of detection was 2-2000 ng/mL.

Reverse draining of a magnetic soap film

We investigate the draining of a vertical magnetic soap film in the presence of a strong, nonuniform magnetic field. A colloidal suspension of magnetic nanoparticles in a regular soap solution yields a magnetic soap solution, from which a soap film is formed across an isolated frame. Experiments demonstrate that with a strong magnet placed above the frame, the film may be made to flow upward against gravity. The amount of film draining upward is altered by varying the distance between the frame and magnet. A first mathematical model is developed for the evolution of the film. Simulations demonstrate qualitative agreement with the experiment.

Development of a water‐resistant and detergent‐washable powder coated with a stimuli‐responsive polymer and its application to suncare products

IFSCC Magazines, 12 (2009) (1) 3–7It is generally well known that the surface of an inorganic UV‐protective powder used in a sunscreen formula is treated with a fatty acid or other hydrophobic chemicals to obtain a high water resistance. Due to the resulting strongly hydrophobic surface, the treatment has a clear drawback in that it allows the sunscreen to leave its base components on the skin after washing with regular soap. Therefore, in this study to develop an intelligent sunscreen formula that has a high water resistance and can be washed away easily with regular soap, we focused on a pH‐responsive polymer as the surface‐treatment agent for a UV‐protective powder. Numerous experiments led to the synthesis of the 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid/11‐methacrylamidoundecanoic acid (AMPS/MAU) copolymer, which is hydrophobic in acidic to neutral solution and hydrophilic in basic solution. Titanium dioxide subjected to surface treatment was treated with the AMPS/MAU copolymer showed a high pH‐responsiveness that was similar to that of the polymer. A W/O‐type sunscreen containing the pH‐responsive titanium dioxide showed a high water resistance as well as a high washability with regular soap.Keywords: Detergent‐washable, pH‐responsive polymer, pH‐responsive powder, sun care product, water‐resistant

Entertaining anti-racism. Multicultural television drama, identification and perceptions of ethnic threat

Abstract Television content that contains non-stereotypical representations of ethnic minorities and models positive intercultural interactions may potentially aid in reducing the prejudices of its viewers (Brown Graves, Journal of Social Issues 55: 707–727, 1999, Persson, Early Childhood Research Quarterly 18: 530–546, 1999, Shochat, Conflict Resolution Quarterly 21: 2003). However, the exact effect has yet to be demonstrated. Furthermore, the cognitive mechanisms behind such an effect remain unclear. This article tests hypotheses derived from social identity theory and social learning theory that attribute this effect to the identification patterns with ingroup and outgroup characters in television drama. In an experiment (N = 152), participants either watched episodes of a multicultural drama or a regular soap series. Results showed that viewers of multicultural drama had lower perceptions of ethnic threat. Moreover, this effect was mediated by identification with characters, namely, increased identification with outgroup and lowered identification with ingroup characters resulting in lower ethnic threat. The results suggest that short term viewing effects are best explained with social identity theory. The implications for long term effects and the possible role of social learning are analyzed in the discussion.

The Depiction of Politicians and Politics in British Soaps

This paper explores ways in which politicians and political themes are depicted in British soap operas. A three-dimensional definition of “the political” is employed, and the distinction between the personalized communities depicted in soaps and the impersonal world of politics is investigated. The study draws upon interviews with producers and scriptwriters from the major British soaps; a representative survey of the British population, 59 percent of whom described themselves as regular soap viewers and/or listeners; and two focus groups.

Efficacy of triclosan soap against superficial dermatomycoses: a double‐blind clinical trial in 224 primary school‐children in Kilombero District, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Superficial dermatomycoses are a common problem in tropical regions. Due to limited resources, specific antimycotic therapy is often not available. The present study was performed to assess the clinical efficacy of the antimicrobial agent Triclosan in bar soap in comparison with regular soap against selected superficial dermatomycoses in Tanzanian schoolchildren. 820 primary school children were examined for skin disorders and 224 of these were included in the soap trial. The clinical presentation of dermatomycoses was recorded using a symptom score. Samples were taken for microscopic examination and mycological culture. The study participants received either bar soap containing Triclosan or a placebo for 2 months. They were re-examined at the end of this period. The benefit achieved by the addition of Triclosan was not statistically significant. Overall cure rates for Triclosan and placebo groups taken together were 21.8% for tinea versicolor, 58.3% for tinea capitis, 55.5% for tinea corporis and 68.8% for tinea pedis. This was confirmed microscopically. For the majority of the children the dermatomycoses improved significantly. The results strongly argue for regular soap use against common dermatomycoses as a low-cost and effective treatment. This promising finding should be considered in settings where dermatophyte infections represent a public health problem and where access to appropriate treatment and financial resources are limited.