Povidone-iodine against sodium hypochlorite as skin antiseptics in volunteers.
BACKGROUND
This study was conducted to compare the antiseptic efficacy of sodium hypochlorite of electrochemical production with that of povidone-iodine in human voluntaries.


METHODS
Three areas of 25 cm(2) each were selected from the forearms; 1 was designated as control to determine the baseline bacterial count; and 2 more were selected to swab 10% povidone-iodine or 10% sodium hypochlorite. Every volunteer was studied on 3 separated occasions. Quantitative skin cultures were performed on agar plates containing a neutralizer.


RESULTS
Forty-eight healthy subjects were enrolled for a total of 144 determinations for every antiseptic and control. The bacterial counts from the control areas showed a median of 1500 colony-forming units (CFU)/cm(2). For the areas treated with sodium hypochlorite, the median was 192 CFU/cm(2). For the areas treated with povidone-iodine, the median was 231 CFU/cm(2). When the colony counts for the areas treated with antiseptics were compared with those of the controls, the difference was significant (Kruskal-Wallis test (H) = 55.7, P < .001). The difference in counts between the areas treated with antiseptics was not significant (difference in z values <1960).


CONCLUSIONS
The present study did not find differences in antiseptic action between 10% povidone iodine and 10% sodium hypochlorite.
Alvarez
Jose A
JA
University of Guanajuato, 20 de Enero 929, Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. micros_iesus@yahoo.com
Macias
Juan H
JH
Macias
Alejandro E
AE
Rodríguez
Edmundo
E
Muñoz
Juan M
JM
Mosqueda
Juan L
JL
Ponce de Leon
Samuel
S
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D058491:Bacterial Load; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000382:microbiology; D006805:Human Experimentation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011206:Povidone-Iodine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology*; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D011206:Povidone-Iodine; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite