Comparative activity of benzoyl peroxide and hexachlorophene. In vivo studies against propionibacterium acnes in humans

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Abstract
The bactericidal effects of benzoyl peroxide (5% lotion) and hexachlorophene (3% colloidal suspension) against P. acnes were compared in 9 healthy college students who had the microbiological and skin lipid characteristics typical of acne vulgaris, but no active lesions. Each of the 2 medications was applied twice daily to opposite sides of the face for 4 consecutive weeks. Hexachlorophene was effective against surface aerobes, but only slightly active against P. acnes. It marginally reduced free fatty acid concentrations in surface lipids and in follicular porphyrin fluorescence. Benzoyl peroxide virtually eliminated P. acnes and aerobes and induced substantially decreased free fatty acid concentrations and follicular fluorescence. Thus, benzoyl peroxide exerts its antimicrobial action in the follicles and inhibits P. acnes; the antimicrobial effectiveness of hexachlorophene is limited to the skin surface.

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