Soap and Water May not be Enough to Fight MRS...(has the potential to become life threate...)

A key to prevention of a MRSA infection is keeping hands clean to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. However, many of the products used by consumers do not contain antimicrobial agents that provide extended antimicrobial action. They may not kill MRSA on contact and provide up to six hours of residual, or ongoing protection, such as CHG found in the cleanser Hibiclens(R) and convenient Hibistat(R) Germicidal Towelettes, according to Twomey.

Residual activity works when the antimicrobial remains active on the skin for a period of time after use. For hand cleansers, this means the antimicrobial continues to kill germs for an extended period of time after washing. Alcohol is a common hand antiseptic and is extremely effective for immediate kill. However, when alcohol dries, the germ-killing action stops. The next contaminated object touched will recontaminate the hand.

Containing CHG, both Hibiclens and Hibistat have been proven to provide fast-acting, antimicrobial protection. They kill a broad spectrum of harmful organisms, continuing to fight germs much longer than soap and water or

alcohol alone. Hibistat Towelettes work without water and contain a quick- drying formula with added emollients, making them safe for frequent daily use.

The Citadel, a well-known military college in Charleston, S.C., has been successfully using Hibiclens for more than 10 years in its Sports Medicine Department to lessen the severity of infections and help prevent the spread of germs such as those associated with MRSA and other staph-related bacteria. The Navy Environmental Health Center(3) also recommends the use of CHG in prevention of MRSA.

"We found that Hibiclens helps prevent the severity of MRSA-related infections, if caught in the early stages," said Craig Clark, Th
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