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Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...

Acne Infection

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...

Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications

Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications

Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used for various applications in medical and dental procedures. Some of the common agents used are cocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine.
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...

Antifungal Agents

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...

Chemical Agents for Microbial Control

Chemical Agents for Microbial Control

Chemicals play important roles in controlling microbial growth by targeting microbial structures and functions as sanitizers, antiseptics, disinfectants, and sterilants.Alcohols are commonly used sanitizers, effectively disrupting lipid membranes, which compromises cell integrity. They are also used as antiseptics and disinfectants due to their rapid action and versatility.Phenols and their derivatives phenolics , known for denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, are particularly...

Antimicrobial Effectiveness

Antimicrobial Effectiveness

The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

In Vivo Investigation of Antimicrobial Blue Light Therapy for Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Burn Infections Using Bioluminescence Imaging

In Vivo Investigation of Antimicrobial Blue Light Therapy for Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Burn Infections Using Bioluminescence Imaging

Published on: April 28, 2017

[Topical antimicrobial agents in dermatology].

J I Porras-Luque¹

¹Dermatólogo, Centro Médico Conde de Orgaz, Madrid, España. jiporrasluque@yahoo.es

Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas

|September 1, 2007

Summary

Topical antimicrobial agents, including antiseptics and antibiotics, are crucial for preventing and treating superficial bacterial infections. Topical antibiotics offer a safer alternative to systemic treatments with fewer side effects and reduced resistance development.

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Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging

Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging

Published on: November 24, 2021

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Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

In Vivo Investigation of Antimicrobial Blue Light Therapy for Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Burn Infections Using Bioluminescence Imaging

In Vivo Investigation of Antimicrobial Blue Light Therapy for Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Burn Infections Using Bioluminescence Imaging

Published on: April 28, 2017

Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging

Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging

Published on: November 24, 2021

Area of Science:

Dermatology and Microbiology
Pharmacology

Context:

Superficial bacterial infections pose a significant health concern, necessitating effective treatment and prophylaxis.
Topical antimicrobial agents are vital for managing these infections on mucocutaneous surfaces.

Purpose:

To review classical and novel topical antimicrobial agents, detailing their pharmacological properties, efficacy, and safety profiles.
To provide a comprehensive overview of topical antibiotics and antiseptics for clinical application.

Summary:

Topical antimicrobials, including antiseptics and antibiotics, inhibit or destroy microorganisms on the skin.
Topical antibiotics are synthesized or naturally derived, primarily targeting bacterial infections with lower systemic toxicity and resistance risk compared to parenteral options.
The ideal topical antimicrobial exhibits broad-spectrum activity, rapid and sustained effects, bactericidal action, tissue penetration, and minimal toxicity or irritation.

Impact:

Informed clinical decision-making for selecting appropriate topical antimicrobials.
Enhanced understanding of the benefits and limitations of topical antibiotic therapy.
Guidance on managing bacterial skin infections and minimizing antimicrobial resistance.