For Dermatologic Surgery, Clean Rather Than Sterile Technique May Be Sufficient

However, it may not be prudent to dispense with current protective measures.

The author of this literature review on surgical garb systematically evaluated evidence regarding the effectiveness of specific protective measures to minimize patient infection. Among the findings:

No randomized, controlled trials of the utility of sterile gloves are available. Clean gloves may be as protective as sterile gloves. Moreover, many studies showed undetected microperforations in gloves; when sterile gloves are appropriate, double gloving may be preferable.
Masks and head coverings do not appear to reduce surgical site infections; surgical personnel with scalp Staphylococcus colonization can cause widespread infection in patients despite use of head coverings.
Gown materials and construction vary, so conclusions about protective be…

Reviewing Author

Murad Alam, MD, MSCI

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAmway

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)

Murad Alam, MD, MSCI

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAmway

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter

For Dermatologic Surgery, Clean Rather Than Sterile Technique May Be Sufficient

Topics

Reviewing Author