The use of non-ionic detergents in sanitary cleansing: a report of a preliminary trial

A preliminary trial was carried out to establish the most suitable hygienic wipe for sanitary cleansing in incontinence and to study and compare the difference between cleansing with soap and non-ionic detergents in incontinent patients. Four non-ionic detergents were tested against National Health toilet soap in 290 incontinent episodes. Other observations were made on the skin condition following cleansing, the ease of cleansing, odour control, detergency, and allergenicity. The results showed that a scrim wipe was the best for this purpose and also indicated that the non-ionic detergent Cetomacrogol 1000 B.P.C. to be preferential to all other creams and soap in the time taken for cleansing. The skin condition, odour control and detergent ability were all superior with this cream. It was revealed by the trial that in cleansing faecal incontinence with non-ionic detergent, an initial wipe, followed by about 7.0 grams of detergent on a moistened wipe to achieve emulsification and than followed by another dry wipe, is all that is required. The condition of the skin was recorded as excellent and the figures indicated a possible saving of 20% in nursing time.