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The dispersal of bacteria and skin scales from the body after showering and after application of a skin lotion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2009

G. S. Hall ,
C. A. Mackintosh  and
P. N. Hoffman
G. S. Hall*
Affiliation:
Central Public Health Laboratory, Division of Hospital Infection, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
C. A. Mackintosh
Affiliation:
Central Public Health Laboratory, Division of Hospital Infection, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
P. N. Hoffman
Affiliation:
Central Public Health Laboratory, Division of Hospital Infection, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
*
* Address for correspondence: Health and Safety Executive, Occupational Medicine and Hygiene Laboratories, 403–405 Edgware Road, London, NW2 6LN, UK.
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Summary

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Application of a skin lotion to the body after showering greatly reduced the number of bacteria and skin scales dispersed from 10 men and 10 women. This effect lasted for at least 4 h when surgical clothing was worn. The use of a skin lotion to reduce bacterial dispersal could provide a simple and inexpensive alternative to an ultraclean air system or uncomfortable operating clothing during surgery requiring these procedures.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 97 , Issue 2 , October 1986 , pp. 289 - 298
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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