title: Utility of topical benzoyl peroxide for prevention of surgical skin wound infection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful oxiding agent with broad spectrum germicidal activity and good liposolubility. Therefore, it may represent a good agent for prevention of wound infection in areas with high density of sebaceous glands.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of topical benzoyl peroxidase gel for prevention of surgical skin wound infections in the centrofacial area.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study was performed on 673 patients. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A, 335 patients, was given no antibacterial prophylaxis. In group B, 338 patients, prophylactic medication with a gel containing 10% benzoyl peroxide was performed once a day for the 7 days before the surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen of 673 patients had wound infections (1.93%). Eleven of these 13 patients were in group A (3.24%) and two were in group B (0.59%) (P < .01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topical benzoyl peroxide is an efficacious, harmless, and inexpensive agent for prevention of wound infections in seborrheic regions.
authors.affiliation: Instituto di Clinica Dermatologica I e Dermatologia Pediatrica, Università di Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Bencini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galimberti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Signorini
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide