The hygienic effectiveness of 2 different skin cleansing procedures.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to assess the ability of 2 skin cleaning procedures to remove transient microbial flora from the skin.


METHODS
The study is a direct comparison of 2 washing procedures: soap and water washing versus cleansing with a no-rinse cleanser.


METHODS
The trial was performed at the research facilities of the Department of Clinical Bacteriology at the University of Göteborg. Forty-five healthy adult volunteers were recruited to participate in the study.


METHODS
A solution of test bacteria, either Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus, was applied to both forearms of the test subject. After a 15-minute incubation period, one arm was cleaned using soap and water and the other arm was cleaned with no-rinse cleanser. Both the arms were dried with a disposable cloth. The amount of residual bacteria on the skin was assessed using contact agar plates.


RESULTS
Both methods of cleaning resulted in 4-to 5-fold log reductions in bacterial count. The number of residual bacteria after both procedures ranged from 1 to 4 colony-forming units/cm after washing. The amount of residual bacteria was comparable for both washing procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Both washing procedures resulted in a low level of residual bacteria on the skin. No-rinse cleansers can be safely used as an alternative to soap and water washing of fragile skin.
Rönner
Anna-Clara
AC
Department of Clinical Bacteriology, Sahlgren's Academy, University of Göteborg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Berland
Carolyn R
CR
Runeman
Bo
B
Kaijser
Bertil
B
D000328:Adult; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003902:Detergents; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004655:Emulsions; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*; D012915:Soaps; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013548:Sweden; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000451:nursing*; D014867:Water
D003902:Detergents; D004655:Emulsions; D012915:Soaps; D014867:Water