Evaluation of surgical scrubbing.

Chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine have been compared for bacteriological effect and skin damage when used with brushes. Chlorhexidine used with a single-use brush was significantly more effective than povidone-iodine. Transepidermal water loss, skin surface conductance and image analysis were used to assess skin damage. Most results were similar between the two agents, but certain markers indicated that less damage was caused by chlorhexidine.