What is it about?
The article "Risk of Infection from Application of Two Types of Pharmaceutical Creams" by Mostafa Essam Eissa, published in the European Medical Health and Pharmaceutical Journal in December 2017, delves into the potential infection risks associated with the use of two types of medicinal topical creams. The study meticulously investigates key factors that contribute to infection transfer during the application of these creams, focusing on an anti-psoriatic cream and a steroidal anti-inflammatory antimicrobial cream. Employing a simulation study that integrates a preservative efficacy test (PET) with a dose-response model, the research assesses the likelihood of infection from pathogenic bacteria during application. While both creams demonstrated antimicrobial activity against standard microorganisms, the study underscores the critical importance of maintaining hygienic control of hands and fingers during application to prevent infection. The study concludes that while the creams themselves are minimally affected by microbial contamination when properly packaged, the risk of infection increases significantly if hygienic practices are not strictly adhered to during application. This finding emphasizes the necessity of proper hygiene measures to mitigate the potential risks associated with the use of these pharmaceutical creams.
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Why is it important?
Understanding the risk of infection from pharmaceutical creams is crucial for several reasons: Patient Safety: Ensuring that patients do not contract infections from products meant to heal them is paramount. This study highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene during application to prevent infections. Product Efficacy: Even if a cream is effective in treating a condition, its benefits can be negated if it introduces new health risks. Knowing the infection risks helps in improving product formulations and application guidelines. Healthcare Costs: Infections can lead to additional treatments, hospitalizations, and increased healthcare costs. Preventing infections through proper use of creams can reduce these costs. Regulatory Compliance: Pharmaceutical companies must adhere to strict regulations regarding product safety. Studies like this help ensure that products meet these standards and protect public health. Public Trust: Maintaining high safety standards helps build and maintain trust in pharmaceutical products and the healthcare system as a whole. By understanding and mitigating these risks, we can ensure that pharmaceutical creams are both safe and effective for all users.
Perspectives
From a professional perspective, the study on the risk of infection from pharmaceutical creams is highly significant for several reasons: Clinical Practice: Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the potential infection risks associated with topical treatments. This knowledge helps them provide better guidance to patients on proper application techniques and hygiene practices. Pharmaceutical Development: For those involved in the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, understanding these risks is essential for improving product formulations and packaging to minimize contamination. Regulatory Insights: Regulatory bodies can use findings from such studies to update guidelines and standards, ensuring that all pharmaceutical products on the market are safe for consumer use. Patient Education: Educating patients about the importance of hygiene when applying creams can significantly reduce the risk of infections, leading to better health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. Research and Innovation: This study opens avenues for further research into more effective antimicrobial agents and innovative packaging solutions that can further reduce the risk of contamination. Overall, the professional community can leverage these insights to enhance patient safety, improve product quality, and ensure compliance with health regulations.
Independent Researcher & Consultant Mostafa Essam Eissa
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Risk of Infection from Application of Two Types of Pharmaceutical Creams, European Medical Health and Pharmaceutical Journal, December 2017, Central Bohemia University,
DOI: 10.12955/emhpj.v10i1.1120.
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