title: The effect of topical 0.75% metronidazole gel on malodorous cutaneous ulcers.
abstract: The unpleasant smell of infected fungating tumors and benign cutaneous ulcers is a distressing clinical problem, known to be associated with anaerobic infection. Topical metronidazole 0.8% gel has been shown to decrease smell from fungating malodorous tumors. This study was conducted to assess prospectively the subjective and bacteriological response to 0.75% metronidazole gel to decrease smell from these lesions and to assess whether bacterial contamination of the tubes of gel occurs during use. Forty-seven patients with benign or malignant cutaneous lesions associated with a foul smell were assessed for smell, pain, appearance, and bacteriological profile before entry and at 7 and 14 days. Forty-one (95%) of the 43 patients assessed at 14 days reported decreased smell. Anaerobic infection was initially found in 25 (53%) of patients and was eliminated in 21 (84%) of these. At review after 7 days, patients reported less pain from the lesions. Discharge and associated cellulitis were also observed to decrease significantly.
authors.affiliation: Holme Tower Marie Curie Centre, Penarth, Wales.
authors.forename: I G
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Finlay
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bowszyc
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ramlau
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Gwiezdzinski
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D009812:Odorants / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D008795:Metronidazole