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Assessment of Skin Microbiota and Biometric Parameters: A Comprehensive Comparison of Four Types of Hand Cleansers Publisher



Ameri S1 ; Nasrollahi SA1 ; Samadi A1 ; Amiri F1 ; Ahmadvand S2 ; Yadangi S1 ; Fattahi M1 ; Ehsani M1 ; Firooz A1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Pharmaceutical, Cosmeceutical and Hygienic Products Microbial Control Lab, Center for Research & Training in Skin Diseases & Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Source: Iranian Journal of Dermatology Published:2021


Abstract

Background: Hand hygiene plays a vital role in controlling pathogenic microorganisms’ transmission and maintaining the interaction between skin microbiota and biometric parameters. This study evaluated the effects of hand cleansers including alcoholic gel, alcoholic pad, antibacterial, and simple wipes on skin biometric parameters and microbiota. Methods: Samples were collected from the hands of 15 healthy office workers with a mean age of 37.70 ± 9.6 years. Then, the subjects were instructed to use cleansers in four following rounds, with a one-week washout period between the rounds. Sample collection was performed before, right after, and one hour after using the cleansers. Microbial isolates were investigated via standard microbiological techniques, and biometric measurements were made using the Cutometer® MPA 580. The obtained data were analyzed using the paired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Overall, there were no significant differences between cleansers in reducing the total aerobic microbial count (TAMC). Also, there was an approximate return to the initial count of resident microbiota one hour after using the alcoholic pad. A significant difference was observed in decreasing the Staphylococcus aureus count using antibacterial wipes rather than simple wipes. Simple wipes had the most increasing effect on transepidermal water loss (TEWL), showing a significant difference with the alcoholic gel. Furthermore, alcoholic gel caused a greater pH decrease in comparison to other products. Conclusion: Alcoholic cleaners are more effective than antibacterial and simple wipes due to maintaining the skin’s biometric parameters. An additional advantage is that alcoholic pads can preserve the resident microbiota. Iranian Journal of Dermatology© 2021 Iranian Society of Dermatology.