Soap or alcohol-based products? The effect of hand hygiene on skin characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Different strategies for hand skin hygiene have been used to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, frequent hand sanitization has been associated with skin damage. The present study aimed to evaluate hand hygiene habits during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of the repetitive use of soap or alcohol-based products on skin characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a survey regards hand hygiene habits acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, we performed cutometry in a cohort of individuals who cleansed their volar forearms every 30 min, during 4 h, using soap or alcohol-based products. RESULTS: We received 138 responses from people with medium-high educational level who reported a 2.5-time increase in the frequency of hand cleansing (p < 0.0001) that resulted in skin damage. An in vivo analysis of skin moisture and elasticity was also performed among 19 health workers and students. In general, skin moisture decreased with every cleansing, mainly after 2 h of washing with soap (p < 0.01), while skin elasticity only reduced after 4 h of treatment (p < 0.05). Alcohol-based solution or alcohol-based gel (70% ethanol, both) did not affect skin moisture or elasticity during testing. CONCLUSION: It is known that the excessive use of soap or alcohol-based products causes dermatological issues. The present study demonstrates that non-medicated soap significantly affects skin moisture and elasticity, probably because the soap removes the hydrolipidic protective barrier, favoring transepidermal water loss, where the lack of the appropriate stratum corneum hydration also affects skin elasticity, mainly associated with changes in epidermal structure.

Banho pré-operatório em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia do quadril:: ensaio clínico randomizado / Preoperative bath in patients submitted to hip arthroplasty: randomized clinical trial

A infecção de sítio cirúrgico (ISC) é um grande desafio para o paciente, equipe e instituições de saúde. Um fator de risco importante na patogênese das infecções cirúrgicas ortopédicas refere-se à pele do paciente. O banho do paciente com soluções antissépticas, no pré-operatório é recomendado como medida para reduzir o risco de ISC, apesar das controvérsias. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da intervenção de enfermagem, banho pré-operatório, utilizando as soluções de gluconato de clorexidina a 4%, PVP-I degermante a 10% e sabão sem antisséptico, na prevenção de ISC, em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia eletiva de artroplastia do quadril e estimar a frequência de reações alérgicas causadas pelo uso das soluções. Estudo do tipo ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado, com mascaramento do pesquisador, paciente e estatístico, utilizando dois grupos de intervenção (clorexidina; PVP-I) e um controle (sabão sem antisséptico). A amostra foi composta por 162 pacientes adultos, submetidos à cirurgia eletiva de artroplastia total do quadril, entre agosto/2015 e outubro/2017, sem infecção no local cirúrgico e alergia às soluções e não portadores nasais de Staphylococcus aureus. A randomização foi realizada por um programa de computador. Utilizados os critérios de descontinuidade de tratamento e a análise por intenção de tratar. Cada grupo foi composto por 54 pacientes. Na consulta de enfermagem os pacientes foram orientados pela enfermeira pesquisadora a tomarem dois banhos: na véspera da cirurgia no domicílio e no dia da cirurgia no hospital. O banho no hospital foi realizado por profissional de enfermagem. Para o banho o paciente recebia um envelope pardo fechado contendo o frasco da solução sorteada, quatro esponjas e um manual que orientava sobre o procedimento. O desfecho primário foi ISC e os pacientes foram monitorados até 90 dias de pós-operatório por meio de telefonemas e nas consultas de egressos ambulatorial. O programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), versão 19.0, foi utilizado para análise dos dados. O efeito aos tratamentos foi medido comparando os grupos intervenção e controle por meio da incidência de ISC, risco relativo, redução absoluta de risco. As características clínicas/epidemiológicas/cirúrgicas foram similares entre os pacientes nos três grupos. A incidência de ISC em cada grupo foi 5,5% (3/54) [IC95% 1,2-15,4]. A taxa de infecção superficial foi 4,9% e profunda 0,6%. O tempo médio para o surgimento das infecções foi 19 dias (DP ± 7,4). Não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos (p=1,00). Um paciente apresentou reação alérgica com o uso da solução de PVP-I. A taxa de adesão aos dois banhos foi de 99,4% (161/162). Os resultados corroboram recentes revisões sistemáticas que não encontraram diferença nas taxas de infecção cirúrgica quando o banho pré-operatório foi realizado com soluções antissépticas ou sabão. A consulta de enfermagem no pré-operatório pode impactar a taxa de infecção profunda na cirurgia eletiva de artroplastia do quadril. O uso de soluções antissépticas pode ocasionar reações alérgicas na pele do paciente, durante o banho e precisa ser monitorada. É necessário cautela ao recomendar o banho pré-operatório com solução antisséptica como estratégia para reduzir infecção de sítio cirúrgico. A orientação do paciente no pré-operatório de cirurgia eletiva de artroplastia do quadril, quando realizada pelo enfermeiro, pode melhorar a qualidade do cuidado prestado ao paciente cirúrgico. Clinical Trials nº NCTO3001102 (AU)

Surgical site infections (SSI) are a major challenge for the patient, staff, and health institutions. An important risk factor in the pathogenesis of orthopedic surgical infections refers to the patient's skin. The patient's bath with antiseptic solutions in the preoperative period is recommended as measure to reduce the risk of SSI, despite controversies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the nursing intervention, preoperative bath, using 4% chlorhexidine gluconate solutions, 10% PVP-I and non-antiseptic soap in the prevention of SSI in patients submitted to elective hip arthroplasty surgery and the frequency of allergic reactions caused by the use of the solutions. Randomized, controlled clinical trial with masking of the researcher, patient and statistician using two intervention groups (PVP-I, chlorhexidine) and one control (non-antiseptic soap). The sample was consisted of 162 adult patients undergoing elective total hip replacement between August/2015 to October/2017, without infection at the surgical site and allergy solutions and non-nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus. The randomization was performed by a computer program. The criteria for treatment discontinuity and intention-to-treat analysis were used. Each group consisted of 54 patients. In nursing consultation patients were instructed by the research nurse to take two baths: the day before the surgery at home and the day of the surgery in the hospital. The bath in the hospital was performed by a nursing professional. For the bath the patient received a closed brown envelope containing the bottle of the solution drawn, four sponges, and a manual that guided about the procedure. The primary outcome was ISC and the patients were monitored up to 90 postoperative days by phone calls and outpatients visits. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 19.0, was used for analysis of the data. The effect on treatments was measured by comparing intervention and control group by incidence of ISC, Relative Risk and Absolute Risk Reduction. Clinical/epidemiological/surgical characteristics were similar among the patients of the three groups. The incidence of SSI in each group was 5.5% (3/54) [IC95% 1,2-15,4]. The superficial infection rate was 4.9% and deep 0.6%. The mean time to onset of infection was 19 days (SD ± 7.4). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 1.00). One patient presented an allergic reaction with the use of the PVP-I solution. The rate of adherence to the two baths was 99.4% (161/162). The results of this study corroborate recent systematic reviews that found no difference in surgical infection rates when the preoperative bath was performed with antiseptic solutions or soap. The preoperative nursing consultation may impact the rate of deep infection in elective hip arthroplasty surgery. The use of antiseptic solutions may cause allergic reactions on the patient's skin during bathing and needs to be monitored. Caution is required when recommending the preoperative bath with antiseptic solution as a strategy to reduce surgical site infection. The orientation of the patient in the preoperative period of elective hip arthroplasty surgeries performed by the nurse can improve the quality of care provided to the surgical patient. Clinical Trials nº. NCTO3001102..(AU)

Intravaginal cleansing among women attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Kingston, Jamaica.

OBJECTIVES: Although common worldwide, intravaginal cleansing is associated with poor health outcomes. We sought to describe intravaginal cleansing among women attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic in Jamaica. METHODS: We examined intravaginal cleansing ("washing up inside the vagina", douching, and products or materials used) among 293 participants in a randomized trial of counselling messages at an STI clinic in Kingston. We focussed on information on intravaginal cleansing performed in the 30 days and three days preceding their baseline study visit. We describe reported cleansing behaviours and used logistic regression to identify correlates of intravaginal cleansing. RESULTS: Fifty-eight per cent of participants reported intravaginal cleansing in the previous 30 days, and 46% did so in the three days before baseline. Among those who cleansed in the previous 30 days, 88% reported doing so for hygiene unrelated to sex, and three-fourths reported generally doing so more than once per day. Soap (usually with water) and water alone were the most common products used for washing; commercial douches or detergents were reported infrequently. Intravaginal cleansing in the three days before the baseline visit was positively associated with having more than one sex partner in the previous three months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1, 3.2), and negatively associated with experiencing itching in the genital area at baseline (AOR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4, 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of women attending STI clinics in Jamaica engage in frequent intravaginal cleansing, indicating a need for clinicians to discuss this topic with them accordingly.

Intravaginal cleansing among women attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Kingston, Jamaica / Limpieza intravaginal entre mujeres que asisten a una clínica de infecciones de transmisión sexual en Kingston, Jamaica

OBJECTIVES: Although common worldwide, intravaginal cleansing is associated with poor health outcomes. We sought to describe intravaginal cleansing among women attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic in Jamaica. METHODS: We examined intravaginal cleansing ("washing up inside the vagina", douching, and products or materials used) among 293 participants in a randomized trial of counselling messages at an STI clinic in Kingston. We focussed on information on intravaginal cleansing performed in the 30 days and three days preceding their baseline study visit. We describe reported cleansing behaviours and used logistic regression to identify correlates of intravaginal cleansing RESULTS: Fifty-eight per cent of participants reported intravaginal cleansing in the previous 30 days, and 46% did so in the three days before baseline. Among those who cleansed in the previous 30 days, 88% reported doing so for hygiene unrelated to sex, and three-fourths reported generally doing so more than once per day. Soap (usually with water) and water alone were the most common products used for washing; commercial douches or detergents were reported infrequently. Intravaginal cleansing in the three days before the baseline visit was positively associated with having more than one sex partner in the previous three months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1, 3.2), and negatively associated with experiencing itching in the genital area at baseline (AOR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4, 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of women attending STI clinics in Jamaica engage in frequent intravaginal cleansing, indicating a need for clinicians to discuss this topic with them accordingly.

OBJETIVOS: Aunque común mundialmente, la limpieza intravaginal se halla asociada con pobres resultados de salud. Buscamos describir la limpieza intravaginal entre mujeres que asisten a una clínica de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) en Jamaica. MÉTODOS: Examinamos la limpieza intravaginal ("lavado del interior de la vagina", ducha, y productos o materiales usados) entre 293 participantes en una prueba aleatoria de mensajes de counseling en una clínica de ITS en Kingston. Las participantes proporcionaron la información sobre la limpieza intravaginal realizada en los 30 y tres días que precedieron a su visita para el estudio inicial. Describimos las conductas de limpieza reportadas y la regresión logística usada para identificar los correlatos de la limpieza intravaginal. RESULTADOS: Cincuenta y ocho por ciento de las participantes reportaron la limpieza intravaginal en los 30 días anteriores, y el 46% lo hicieron en los tres días antes del inicio del estudio. Entre aquéllas que realizaron la limpieza en los 30 días anteriores, el 88% reportó haberlo hecho por razones de higiene independientes de la vida sexual, y tres cuartos reportaron hacerlo de manera general más de una vez al día. Jabón (normalmente con agua) y agua solamente fueron los productos más comunes usados para el lavado. Las duchas comerciales o detergentes no fueron reportadas muy frecuentemente. La limpieza intravaginal en los tres días antes de la visita del estudio inicial estuvo positivamente asociada con tener más de una pareja sexual en los tres meses anteriores (odds ratio ajustado [AOR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1, 3.2), y negativamente asociado con experimentar comezón en el área genital al inicio del estudio (AOR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4, 1.0). CONCLUSIONES: Un gran número de mujeres que asisten a las clínicas de ITS en Jamaica practican frecuentemente la limpieza intravaginal, lo cual indica la necesidad de que los médicos clínicos discutan este asunto con ellas.

Analysis of the effectiveness of different hygiene procedures used in dental prostheses.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of bacterial plaque removal of six denture hygiene procedures used by patients to clean their dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen students randomly divided into groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 and G6 used maxillary intraoral appliances for 24 h without cleaning them. Afterwards, the appliances were submitted to the following procedures: P1: washing under running water for 20 s; P2 and P3: cleaning with alkaline peroxide (Corega Tabs®) for 5 and 30 min, respectively; P4: brushing with water and liquid soap for 40 s; P5: alkaline hypochlorite for 10 minutes; P6: home use chlorine solution (Q'boa® at 0.45% for 10 min), throughout a period of 6 consecutive weeks. The procedures followed a circulating scheme, so that all the appliances were submitted to all the hygiene methods studied. After the hygiene procedures, the appliances were stained, photographed and submitted to the weighing method. RESULTS: After ANOVA and Tukey's test, differences were observed: P5 = 0.73 ± 0.3 (b), P6 = 1.27 ± 0.4(b,c), P4 = 1.92 ± 0.5 (b,c), P3 = 2.24 ± 1.0 (b,c), P2 = 7.53 ± 2.5 (c) and P1 = 26.86 ± 15. 3 (a). CONCLUSION: From the results of the study, it could be concluded that the use of alkaline hypochlorite is the best way to remove bacterial plaque, followed by the home-use chlorine solution and brushing with water and liquid soap. Corega Tabs® must be used for 30 min of immersion to have a cleaning effectiveness similar to that of alkaline hypochlorite.

Use of a lactic acid plus lactoserum intimate liquid soap for external hygiene in the prevention of bacterial vaginosis recurrence after metronidazole oral treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) after the use of a lactic acid plus lactoserum liquid soap starting immediately after the treatment with oral metronidazole and the quality of life of the participants. METHODS: A total of 123 women with diagnosis of BV with at least three of the following criteria: 1) homogeneous vaginal discharge without inflammation of the vagina or vulva; 2) vaginal pH ≥ 4.5; 3) positive Whiff test; and 4) "clue cells" in more than 20% of the epithelial cells in the vagina. A Nugent score ≥ 4 in the vaginal bacterioscopy was also used. After BV diagnosis, metronidazole 500 mg was administered orally bid during 7 days. Patients cured of BV were then instructed to use 7.5 to 10 mL of a lactic acid plus lactoserum liquid soap once-a-day for hygiene of the external genital region. Three subsequent control visits after starting the hygiene treatment (30, 60, and 90 days; ± 5 days) were scheduled. A questionnaire was applied in the form of visual analogue scale (VAS) in all the visits regarding: 1) level of comfort at the genital region; 2) malodorous external genitalia; 3) comfort in sexual intercourse; 4) satisfaction with intimate hygiene; and 5) self-esteem. RESULTS: Ninety two (74.8%) women initiated the use of a lactic acid plus lactoserum liquid soap at visit 1. At visit 2, 3, and 4 there were 84, 62 and 42 women available for evaluation, respectively. The rate of recurrence of BV was 19.0%, 24.2% and 7.1%, respectively in the three visits and vaginal candidiasis was observed in five treated women. Quality of life was evaluated in the 42 women who completed the four visits schedule and there were significant improvement in the five domains assessed. CONCLUSION: A lactic acid plus lactoserum liquid soap for external intimate hygiene may be an option for the prevention of BV recurrence after treatment and cure with oral metronidazole.

Use of a lactic acid plus lactoserum intimate liquid soap for external hygiene in the prevention of bacterial vaginosis recurrence after metronidazole oral treatment / Uso do ácido láctico com lactoserum em sabonete líquido íntimo para higiene externa na prevenção da recorrência de vaginose bacteriana após tratamento oral com metronidazol

OBJECTIVE: To determine the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) after the use of a lactic acid plus lactoserum liquid soap starting immediately after the treatment with oral metronidazole and the quality of life of the participants. METHODS: A total of 123 women with diagnosis of BV with at least three of the following criteria: 1) homogeneous vaginal discharge without inflammation of the vagina or vulva; 2) vaginal pH ≥ 4.5; 3) positive Whiff test; and 4) "clue cells" in more than 20 percent of the epithelial cells in the vagina. A Nugent score ≥ 4 in the vaginal bacterioscopy was also used. After BV diagnosis, metronidazole 500 mg was administered orally bid during 7 days. Patients cured of BV were then instructed to use 7.5 to 10 mL of a lactic acid plus lactoserum liquid soap once-a-day for hygiene of the external genital region. Three subsequent control visits after starting the hygiene treatment (30, 60, and 90 days; ± 5 days) were scheduled. A questionnaire was applied in the form of visual analogue scale (VAS) in all the visits regarding: 1) level of comfort at the genital region; 2) malodorous external genitalia; 3) comfort in sexual intercourse; 4) satisfaction with intimate hygiene; and 5) self-esteem. RESULTS: Ninety two (74.8 percent) women initiated the use of a lactic acid plus lactoserum liquid soap at visit 1. At visit 2, 3, and 4 there were 84, 62 and 42 women available for evaluation, respectively. The rate of recurrence of BV was 19.0 percent, 24.2 percent and 7.1 percent, respectively in the three visits and vaginal candidiasis was observed in five treated women. Quality of life was evaluated in the 42 women who completed the four visits schedule and there were significant improvement in the five domains assessed. CONCLUSION: A lactic acid plus lactoserum liquid soap for external intimate hygiene may be an option for the prevention of BV recurrence after treatment and cure with oral metronidazole.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a ocorrência de vaginose bacteriana (VB) após o uso de acido láctico com lactoserum em sabonete líquido iniciado imediatamente após o tratamento com metronidazol oral e qualidade de vida das participantes. MÉTODOS: Um total de 123 mulheres com dianóstico de VB com ao menos três dos seguintes critérios: 1) leucorreia vaginal homogênea sem inflamação de vagina ou vulva; 2) pH vaginal ≥ 4,5; 3) teste positivo de Whiff; e 4) "clue cells" em mais de 20 por cento das células epiteliais na vagina. O escore de Nugent ≥ 4 na bacterioscopia vaginal também foi usado. Após o diagnóstico de VB, metronidazol 500 mg oral foi ministrado durante 7 dias. Pacientes curados da VB foram instruídos a usar 7,5 a 10 mL de acido láctico com lactoserum em sabonete líquido uma vez ao dia para higiene da genitália externa. Três visitas de controle foram agendadas (30, 60 e 90 dias; ± 5 dias). Um questionário foi aplicado na forma de escala visual análoga (EVA) em todas as visitas sobre: 1) nível de conforto na região genital; 2) mau odor na genitália; 3) conforto na relação sexual; 4) satisfação com higiene íntima; e 5) autoestima. RESULTADOS: Noventa e duas (74,8 por cento) mulheres iniciaram o uso de ácido láctico com lactoserum líquido na visita 1. Na visita 2, 3 e 4 foram 84, 62 e 42 mulheres para avaliação, respectivamente. A taxa de recorrência da VB foi 19,0 por cento, 24,2 por cento e 7,1 por cento, respectivamente nas três visitas e candidíase vaginal foi observada em cinco mulheres. Qualidade de vida foi avaliada em 42 mulheres que completaram as quatro visitas agendadas e houve uma melhora significativa nos cinco domínios avaliados. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de acido láctico com lactoserum em sabonete líquido para higiene externa intima pode ser uma opção para a prevenção da recorrência de VB após tratamento e cura com metronidazol oral.

Evaluation of antibacterial soap in the management of lymphoedema in Leogane, Haiti.

In areas endemic for lymphatic filariasis, progression of lymphoedema is associated with recurrent bacterial acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA). The role of antibacterial soap in preventing ADLA is unknown. In a randomized double-blinded clinical trial in Leogane, Haiti, lymphoedema patients washed affected legs with antibacterial (n = 97) or plain soap (n = 100). Reported ADLA incidence (by recall) before the study was 1.1 episodes per person-year, compared to 0.40 assessed during the 12-month study. ADLA incidence was significantly associated with age, illiteracy and lymphoedema stage, but not with soap type. Washing with soap, regardless of its antibacterial content, can help decrease ADLA incidence. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier number NCT00139100.).

Avaliação in vitro da sensibilidade da Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis frente a diferentes tipos de antissépticos e desinfetantes e determinação de sua curva de crescimento / In vitro evaluation of the susceptibility of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis to different kinds of antiseptics and disinfectants, and the determination of its growth curve

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito in vitro de antissépticos e desinfetantes contra a Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis e descrever a curva de crescimento deste micro-organismo em caldo de infusão de cérebro e coração adicionado de 0,1% de Tween 80 (BHI + T), ao longo de 48 horas. Foram avaliados tintura de iodo a 10%, hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5%, permanganato de potássio a 5%, sabonete líquido antisséptico Aseptol® e álcool etílico absoluto (99,8%), por meio da metodologia da disco-difusão. Um swab estéril foi imerso na suspensão bacteriana produzida e semeado em placa de ágar Mueller-Hinton. Discos estéreis foram embebidos em cada solução a ser testada e distribuídos na superfície do ágar. Os resultados foram obtidos de acordo com o diâmetro do halo produzido ao redor dos discos. Para obtenção da curva de crescimento, colônias isoladas do micro-organismo foram inoculadas em frasco contendo BHI + T. A cada quatro horas, 2 mL eram retirados para medição da massa celular em espectrofotômetro e 1 mL para realização das diluições seriadas, plaqueamento em ágar sangue e contagem de células viáveis. Observou-se que, para a obtenção de uma concentração máxima de C. pseudotuberculosis, próxima a 1.200 x 105 células viáveis/mL, deve-se manter o inóculo sob incubação adequada por um período de 28 a 40 horas. Quanto à prova de sensibilidade, verificou-se que a tintura de iodo a 10%, seguida pelo hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5% e permanganato de potássio a 5%, foram os antissépticos e desinfetantes com maior poder bactericida in vitro contra a C. pseudotuberculosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of antiseptics and disinfectants against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, and to define the growth curve of this microrganism inoculated in brain heart infusion broth plus 0.1% of Tween 80 (BHI + T), for 48 hours incubation. For the susceptibility test, evaluations were made using 10% iodine, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, 5% potassium permanganate, Aseptol® liquid soap, and absolute ethyl alcohol (99.8%), by way of the disc-diffusion method. A sterile swab was immersed in a bacterial suspension and plated in Mueller-Hinton agar. Sterile discs were immersed in each solution to be tested and distributed on the agar surface. The results were obtained according to the inhibition circle diameter formed around the disc. For the growth curve determination, colonies were inoculated in a bottle containing BHI + T. Every 4 hours, 2 mL was withdrawn to evaluate the cell mass in a spectrophotometer, and 1 mL was taken to perform serial dilutions, blood agar base plating and counting of viable cells. It was observed that in order to reach the maximum concentration of C. pseudotuberculosis, close to 1,200 x 105 viable cells/mL, the inoculum must be maintained at appropriate incubation for a period of 28-40 hours. The sensibility test indicated.

Postsurgical care for rehabilitation with implant-retained extraoral prostheses.

The health of a peri-implant tissue is a critical factor for the long-term success of treatment with extraoral implants. However, infection and inflammation may occur and lead to implant loss and prostheses failure. Therefore, some postsurgical care as hygiene with soap and water, soft toothbrush, and Superfloss type dental floss and medication with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic are suggested to avoid complications. In addition, a thin and smooth layer of subcutaneous tissue in the peri-implant area should be preserved during implant insertion to favor the assistance recommended in this phase.

O uso de sabonetes íntimos femininos / The use of liquid soap for female intimate care

A utilização rotineira de sabonetes líquidos íntimos femininos é questionada por ginecologistas, mas ovacionada por boa parte das mulheres que passam a maior parte do dia fora de casa, em atividades profissionais e sociais intensas. A preocupação médica se justifica pela possibilidade de irritações e alergias loco-regionais uma vez que, quanto mais se altera o habitat da flora bacteriana fisiológica vulvar e vaginal, maiores serão os riscos de infecções e inflamações. Porém, os parcos artigos existentes não sugerem alterações do pH ou da flora vaginal com o uso destes produtos. Este artigo tem como objetivo rever as características químicas dos sabonetes higiênicos íntimos relacionando-os com a microbiota vulvo-vaginal, para que os ginecologistas possam avaliar os riscos e benefícios destes, uma vez que este é um assunto cada vez mais questionado nos consultórios ginecológicos.

The everyday use of intimate liquid soap is questioned by gynecologists, and well seen by many women that have an intense professional activity, running around all day. Medical worry for this everyday use is justified by local irritation and aggression that these substances may bring. This article reviews the chemical characteristics of the intimal vaginal "everyday use" soaps, relating these facts to the vulvo-vaginal microbiota. Thus, it gives to the gynecologist risks and benefits of this polemic issue, helping them to judge what is better for each patient.

Infection control practices among a cohort of Brazilian dentists.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate infection control practices among dentists in private and public practice. DESIGN: Survey and cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: Sertãozinho city, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: All dentists who were currently working at the study city, and agreed to participate, resulting in a study population of 135 dentists. METHODS: Participants were personally interviewed and variables were submitted to chi2 or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Hand washing before and after each patient was reported by 86.7% of dentists, but private practitioners used liquid soap and paper towels more often than their public colleagues (p < 0.001). Most of the study population (97.8%) used gloves routinely during clinical sessions, but 8.2% reused them. Dry-heat was the main method employed for sterilisation of heat-stable devices by 80.0% of dentists, but adequate temperature and time of exposure was accomplished by only 32.1% of public and 70.0% of private professionals (p < 0.001). Heat-sensitive devices were disinfected with an adequate substance by 60.0% of both affiliation dentists (p = 0.908). CONCLUSIONS: There is a large gap between infection control recommendations and practices observed among the study population, and the situation is worse in public services. To reverse that situation, infection control issues must be openly debated by professional associations, dental schools and health authorities.

Efectividad de la asepsia con cloruro de benzalconio vs. el uso de agua y jabón en la prevención de la onfalitis neonatal. Hospital de Apoyo José Alfredo Mendoza Olavarría. Tumbes 2006 / Effectiveness of aseptic benzalkonium chloride vs. using soap and water in preventing neonatal omphalitis. Hospital de Apoyo Jose Alfredo Mendoza Olavarria. Tumbes 2006

Objetivo: demostrar que la asepsia con cloruro de benzalconio es más efectiva que el uso de agua y jabón en la prevención de la onfalitis neonatal en el Hospital de Apoyo JAMO de Tumbes durante el período enero a abril del 2006. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, longitudinal y comparativo. Se incluyeron neonatos de ambos sexos, a término, de parto eutócico y cesárea, y se utilizó el muestreo no probabilístico de tipo accidental. El diseño fue de dos grupos, con sujetos aleatorizado y sólo con posprueba. Para la comparación de la efectividad del cloruro de benzalconio vs. El uso de agua y jabón se utilizaron las pruebas paramétricas Chi Cuadrado y t de Student. Resultados: ingresaron al estudio 84 neonatos; la mitad recibió asepsia con cloruro de benzalconio y el resto, con agua y jabón. Del total de la muestra, 82 neonatos no presentaron signos de onfalitis y sólo se evidenciaron dos casos, uno con cada tipo de antiséptico (2.4%). Sin embargo, no se encontró una relación significativa (p>0.05) entre la presencia de signos inflamatorios y el producto empleado para la asepsia. Asimismo, del total de la muestra (84 neonatos), cuatro presentaron la caída del cordón umbilical entre 3er y 5to día (uno con cloruro de benzalconio y tres con agua y jabón) mientras que a 78 neonatos se les desprendió el cordón umbilical entre el 6° y el 9° día y a dos neonatos pasados los diez días (un caso para cada antiséptico usado). Las pruebas estadísticas no mostraron relación significativa (p>0.05) entre el tiempo de caída del cordón umbilical y el tipo de antiséptico usado. Encontramos que al tasa de prevalencia de onfalitis fue de 2.38% y el tiempo promedio de aparición de los signos de onfalitis fue de cuatro días luego de utilizar ambos antisépticos.

Cuidado do coto umbilical: estudo comparativo do uso de três tipos de soluçöes / Umbilical cord treatment: comparative study of use of three solutions

Estudaram-se 298 recém-nascidos vivos, nos meses de setembro e outubro de 1994, no Hospital Universitário da Universidade de Säo Paulo, comparando-se a incidência de eventos no coto umbilical (hiperemia, secreçäo, edema e granuloma) e o tempo de queda com o uso de água ou álcool a 70 por cento ou clorohexidina a 4 por cento, no cuidado do coto umbilical. Os resultados mostraram näo haver diferença estatisticamente significante das alteraçöes em relaçäo às soluçöes utilizadas no cuidado do coto umbilical. O tempo de queda do coto umbilical apresentou significância estatística com relaçäo à substância utilizada, de maneira que o álcool retarda a queda do coto em 46,7 por cento, quando comparado à água; a clorohexidina retarda a queda do coto em 94,7 por cento, quando comparada à água. Estes resultados podem vir a orientar quanto a novas sistemáticas para o uso de substâncias no cuidado do coto umbilical.

Avaliaçäo clínica da eficácia e tolerância do peróxido de benzoíla e sabonete desengordurante, no tratamento do acne vulgar / Clinical effectiveness and tolerance of benzoyl peroxide and detergent soap in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Os autores trataram 40 pacientes portadores de acne vulgar dos graus I, II e III com um preparado contendo peróxido de benzoíla, após limpeza da pele com sabonete desengordurante. Houve melhora clínica do quadro durante as 6 semanas de tratamento, classificada como regular e boa. Os efeitos colaterais: prurido, ardência e descamaçäo variaram de leve a moderado