A study of the suppression of body odour in elderly subjects by anti‐fungal agents

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The suppression of body odour following the use of shampoos or soaps containing the anti-fungal agent miconazole nitrate (MCZ) has been recognized anecdotally. To determine whether MCZ could play a role in the suppression of body odour through inhibiting squalene oxidation. METHODS: A prospective study recruited 54 elderly subjects residing in a nursing facility who needed bathing assistance. Subjects bathed with three types of body soap over a 6-week study period (regular soap, sample soap (soap containing MCZ), control soap; 2 weeks per type of soap). Body odour was evaluated based on olfactory assessment of the subjects and their clothing. The subjects and the examiners were blinded to the type of soap (sample or control) being used during the study. An analysis using GC/MS was also carried out to identify the volatile compounds associated with body odour. RESULTS: Suppression of unpleasant body odour of the neck and axilla was reported in subjects who used the sample soap. Three common volatile compounds were detected from the T-shirts worn by the subjects: 2-ethylbutanal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and geranylacetone. The occurrence of these compounds was reduced using the sample soap. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that MCZ could play a role in the suppression of body odour.R esum e OBJECTIF: La suppression de l'odeur corporelle suite a l'utilisation de shampooings ou des savons contenant l'agent anti-fongique nitrate de miconazole (MCZ) a et e observ ee de fac ßon anecdotique. Le but due l' etude etait de d eterminer si MCZ pouvait jouer un rôle dans la suppression de l'odeur corporelle en inhibant l'oxydation du squal ene.

Development of Dermal Films Containing Miconazole Nitrate

“…As an active pharmaceutical ingredient, miconazole nitrate (MN) is a broad spectrum antifungal agent which has already been studied in the form of mucoadhesive tablets, polymeric matrices (chitosan, gelatine, gum arabic, alginate, carbopol or acrylic resins), microgels, nano-lipid gels or nano-vesicles formulated to treat oral or vaginal candidiasis [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. In addition to its antifungal activity, MN also has an antimicrobial action—the imidazole class, which makes it frequently applied on skin mucosa to heal fungal infections [ 8 ]. It inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes [ 9 ].…”

Preventive effects of topical washing with miconazole nitrate‐containing soap to diaper candidiasis in hospitalized elderly patients: A prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study

“…The minimum inhibitory concentration of miconazole for Candida spp. is 0.32–20 ng/cm 2 . Particularly in elderly subjects, the estimated miconazole concentration on the skin surface after washing with miconazole soap was sufficient to inhibit the growth and expansion of Candida (210 ng/cm 2 ) .…”

“…18,19 Particularly in elderly subjects, the estimated miconazole concentration on the skin surface after washing with miconazole soap was sufficient to inhibit the growth and expansion of Candida (210 ng/ cm 2 ). 19 Because this antifungal action is bacteriostatic but not bactericidal at a low dose, 20-23 this may explain why Candida pseudohyphae/blastoconidia were still detected at a constant rate in the miconazole group ( Table 2). The biggest advantage of this soap is the ease of use as a daily genital wash without the requirement for specific or sophisticated techniques.…”

Prospective trial for the clinical efficacy of anogenital skin care with miconazole nitrate‐containing soap for diaper candidiasis

“…The early clinical improvement may vary depending on the clinico‐pharmacological settings; for example, washing with soap provides a local miconazole concentration beyond the minimum inhibitory concentration for Candida spp. (0.32–20 ng/cm 2 ), sufficient to inhibit the growth and expansion of Candida . In addition, miconazole soap possesses a detergency and antibacterial potency that efficiently remove a combined colonization and biofilm formation with residential bacterial flora, enabling inhibition of the recolonization of latent Candida spp.…”

“…(0.32-20 ng/cm 2 ), sufficient to inhibit the growth and expansion of Candida. 13,20 In addition, miconazole soap possesses a detergency and antibacterial potency that efficiently remove a combined colonization and biofilm formation with residential bacterial flora, [12][13][14] enabling inhibition of the recolonization of latent Candida spp. This conclusion is strengthened by our recent study demonstrating the plausible efficacy of miconazole soap in prophylactic approaches to the similar cohort with diaper candidiasis.…”