Randomized trial of a hexachlorophene preparation and P-300 bacteriostatic soaps

Twenty-six patients undergoing chemotherapy for acute leukemia on a protected environment-prophylactic antibiotic program were randomly assigned to bathe with either P-300 or a 3% hexachlorophene preparation. Both agents substantially reduced the microbial flora of the skin, but the latter preparation was slightly more effective. The bacteriostatic compounds in both preparations were absorbed through the skin but no toxic effects were observed.