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Boils, carbuncles, folliculitis, paronychia and staphylococcal whitlow - Management
Which antiseptic product should I prescribe (if indicated)?
- A solution of chlorhexidine or triclosan in a detergent vehicle is generally suitable. For example:
- Hibiscrub® and Hydrex® Surgical Scrub contain chlorhexidine and are surfactant- (and not alcohol-) based.
- Aquasept® skin cleanser and Ster-Zac bath concentrate® contain triclosan and are also surfactant- (and not alcohol-) based.
- An antiseptic-emollient product is recommended for application to the face, or if the person suffers from dry or inflamed skin. For example:
- The Dermol® range contains benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine (antibacterials) with liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate (emollients).
- Emulsiderm® bath additive contains benzalkonium chloride (antibacterial) with liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate (emollients).
- These recommendations are pragmatic advice. Using a detergent-based rather than an alcohol-based product is less likely to irritate the skin. For those with sensitive skin, using a product that combines an antibacterial component with an emollient is least likely to irritate the skin, although contact sensitization to the antibacterial component may still occur with prolonged use.
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