Whole body washing to reduce skin-surface bacteria: pilot study in healthy volunteers

INTERVENTION: Participants randomised to 1 of 3 groups using random number tables and sequentially numbered sealed envelopes 1. Group 1 Control: Plain soap and plain shampoo Participants shower daily for two days using the following instructions ‐ Enter shower, ensure body and hair are wet. Apply 25mls soap to body, rinse and repeat using another 25mls. Wash hair. Rinse thoroughly. Dry with a clean towel. 2. Group 2 Intervention: Hibiscrub® Plus Participants shower daily for two days following manufacturers instructions ‐ Enter shower, ensure body and hair are wet. Apply 25mls Hibiscrub® Plus to body, rinse and repeat using another 25mls. Wash hair. Rinse thoroughly. Dry with a clean towel. 3. Group 3 Intervention: Octenisan® Participants shower daily for five days following manufacturers instructions ‐ Enter shower, ensure body and hair are wet. Apply Octenisan® to a damp cloth and apply to body. Leave for 3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Wash hair with Octenisan® on day 2 and day 4. Dry with a clean towel. CONDITION: Surgical site infections ; Infections and Infestations PRIMARY OUTCOME: Colony forming units from swabs taken from nose, armpit and groin pre‐intervention and post intervention at 0 hours, 4 hours and 6 hours. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Healthy volunteers from De Montfort University ‐ staff or students 2. Any age and either sex