Antimicrobial skin reactions with

Owing to their compatibility with cationic biocides, amphoteric and amine oxide surfactants continue to be used widely in the development and formulation of disinfectants and sanitizers for personal care, household, industrial, and institutional markets. For instance, substituted imidazoline amphoteric surfactants, in combination with didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, have been found to display unexpected synergistic irritation reduction compared to formulas with alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides [57]. Also, imidazoline derivatives and betaines are known to impart moderate cleansing without causing skin roughness, stickiness, or irritating reactions with cationic disinfectants [58], Amphoteric surfactants are also suitable for use in antimicrobial medications requiring subcutaneous, cutaneous, or mucosal membrane administration [36]. 

Many skin disorders are associated with at least one of the characteristics of inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperproliferation, hypodifferentiation, infection, apoptosis, and autoimmune reactions. GTPs are uniquely positioned to antagonize these conditions with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, prodifferentiation, anti-apoptosis, and inhibition of autoantigen properties. Thus, many skin conditions, including autoimmune-induced lupus and psoriasis, wounds created by trauma or infections, damage induced by environmental factors such as UVB, and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), could be treated or managed by topical application of GTPs. 

Another consideration in the design of new antimicrobial product formulations, the design of large-scale clinical trials, as well as for the development of a systems approach to preoperative antimicrobial bathing and showering is the compatibility of other topical products used in conjunction with the preparative process. For example, it is well established that common ingredients in body creams and lotions may inactivate antimicrobial agents such as CHG [27]. In the very near future, healthcare professionals may inquire how important it is that the antiseptic chosen for the patient s preoperative shower and the antiseptic employed for the intraoperative skin prep be compatible Are there other potentially deleterious chemical reactions to be concerned about What is the current science... 

Triclocarban (TCC, trichlorocarbanilide, Cutisan, Nobacter, Solubacter, CAS no. 101-20-2). This is an antiseptic and bacteriostatic used in antimicrobial soap bars, deodorants, antiperspirants. Photoallergic and phototoxic reactions were reported (Hasan and Jansen 1996). Cross reaction occurs with other halogenated salicylanilides. Caustic reaction on skin and mucosa was reported (Barriere 1973). Allergic reactions are not uncommon, and can result in pigmentation afterwards. The patch-test concentration is 2% pet. 

Alcohols have a hydroxyl group attached to a Cio hydrocarbon skeleton. Terpene alcohols are so highly valued for their fragrance, healing properties and gentle reaction on skin and membranes that they have been termed friendly molecules (Schnaubelt 1989). Alcohols rank with phenols as being among the most potent antimicrobial essential oil compounds, but they do not contain the irritant properties of the latter. 

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