Skin Bacteria and Skin Disinfection Reconsidered

Abstract

SummaryLarge discrepancies in the available data on skin microbiology stimulated investigations of the number, interactions, and location of commensals and the true efficiency of disinfection by using skin biopsy, culture of frozen sections, and other methods.Most current procedures were less than 0 5% as sensitive as the biopsy method described. This gave mean bacterial counts ranging from 4,400/cm2 on the breast to 400,000/cm2 in the axillae. An iodine preparation removed 95% of accessible organisms, but about 20% of bacteria were protected by follicles, crevices, and lipids. Commensals in over 20% of people produced antibiotics against a wide range of pathogens. Conversely, "satellitism" was demonstrable in 12% of people.

The Influence of Hair Shave on the Infection Rate in Neurosurgery

“…It has been postulated that the serous exudative substrate which results from shaving is colonised with massive numbers of indigenous organisms that may increase the risk of infection if the operative site is shaved the night before [10]. This view has been supported further by a study showing that preoperative shaving with a razor produces multiple parallel slices in the skin that are not apparent to the naked eye but visible under the microscope [11]. These cuts serve as a reservoir for skin commensal or transient bacteria to lodge in and later infect the wound.…”

“…For the same reasons, it has been welcomed by adult patients as well [11]. Antiseptic shampoo employed the evening before or the morning of the operation reduces the load of scalp grease [11].…”

“…For the same reasons, it has been welcomed by adult patients as well [11]. Antiseptic shampoo employed the evening before or the morning of the operation reduces the load of scalp grease [11]. The surgical technique is not compromised, as shortly after incision, the hair is kept out of the wound by the application of skin clips on the scalp edges over strip swabs.…”

Eradication of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and MRSA in the Nares: A Historical Perspective of the Ecological Niche, with Suggestions for Future Therapy Considerations

“…They further reported: [50] 1) An iodine preparation removed 95% of accessible organisms, and about 20% of Bacteria were protected by follicles, crevices, and lipids. Direct microscopic evidence of a relatively deep flora was obtained by Gram-staining fresh skin sections, and many bacteria were seen surprisingly deep in the larger hair follicles of un-incubated skin.…”

“…1) The hidden source of up to 20% of the resident flora that re-colonize the skin is the colonized hair follicle, sebaceous glands, crevices, and lipids [50].…”