Research Article
Preoperative skin preparation: clinical evaluation of depilatory cream.
Br Med J 1976; 2 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.6045.1166 (Published 13 November 1976) Cite this as: Br Med J 1976;2:1166
- S J Powis,
- T A Waterworth,
- D G Arkell
Abstract
Preoperative hair removal by a depilatory cream was compared with routine shaving. Although the incidence of wound infection was similar in both groups, cream depilation was found to be better. It was effective, atraumatic, non-toxic, and could be self-administered. Furthermore, it could be used safely on granulating wounds and did not support bacterial growth. Depilation was associated with a significant reduction in skin surface bacteria and proved to be cheaper than shaving.