This double-blind RCT (n=80) tests whether a 3-day preoperative wash with 5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) reduces shoulder C. acnes skin burden more effectively than 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in patients undergoing shoulder surgery, using the contralateral untreated shoulder as a control.
When planning shoulder surgery — especially arthroplasty — prescribe 5% benzoyl peroxide wash for the three days before surgery: it achieves close to a 10-fold reduction in C. acnes at anterior and posterior portal sites where CHG is essentially ineffective, and neither agent clears the axilla, so consider isolating that region with draping.
This double-blind RCT (n=80) tests whether a 3-day preoperative wash with 5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) reduces shoulder C. acnes skin burden more effectively than 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in patients undergoing shoulder surgery, using the contralateral untreated shoulder as a control.
When planning shoulder surgery — especially arthroplasty — prescribe 5% benzoyl peroxide wash for the three days before surgery: it achieves close to a 10-fold reduction in C. acnes at anterior and posterior portal sites where CHG is essentially ineffective, and neither agent clears the axilla, so consider isolating that region with draping.