The effect of antibacterial soap on impetigo incidence, Karachi, Pakistan

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2002 Oct;67(4):430-5. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2002.67.430.

Abstract

We conducted a study to determine if soap containing 1.2% triclocarban would be effective in reducing the incidence of impetigo. We randomized 162 households in a low-income neighborhood of Karachi, Pakistan, to receive a regular supply of 1.2% triclocarban-containing soap (n = 81) or an identically appearing placebo (n = 81); 79 households in a nearby neighborhood were enrolled as standard practice controls. After adjustment for household clustering and covariates, the incidence of impetigo among children living in households receiving triclocarban-containing soap (1.10 episodes per 100 person-weeks) was 23% lower than in households receiving placebo soap (P = 0.28) and 43% lower than the standard habit and practice controls (P = 0.02). The routine use of triclocarban-containing soap by children living in a community with a high incidence of impetigo was associated with a reduced incidence of impetigo.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Impetigo / epidemiology*
  • Impetigo / prevention & control
  • Incidence
  • Pakistan / epidemiology
  • Soaps*
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Soaps