A new siloxane embedded benzalkonium chloride-based skin protectant (fiteBac Germicidal Skin Softening Gel) for use against insect bites and related dermal infections

• Published in: Revista medica del hospital general de mexico s.s.a Vol. 81; no. 3; pp. 115 - 121
• Main Authors: Krueger, Gerhard R.F, Ablashi, Dharam V, Baban, Babak, Niedworok, Clara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Masson Doyma México S.A 01-07-2018; Permanyer
• Subjects: Gel germicida para piel; Germicidal hand gel; Infecciones dermicas; Insect bites; Medical/Surgical; Picaduras de insectos; Skin infections; Insect bites; Picaduras de insectos; Skin infections; Gel germicida para piel; Infecciones dermicas; Germicidal hand gel
• DOI: 10.1016/j.hgmx.2018.03.001
• ISSN: 0185-1063

Abstract fiteBac Skin Softening Gel, widely used as a cosmetic, contains the anti-infective benzalkonium chloride embedded in siloxane quaternary ammonium compounds, but does not contain alcohol. It thus serves well for skin protection combined with local anti-infective activity. As it does not penetrate the skin, no systemic toxic side effects are expected, and more than 3 years of practical use have not revealed any adverse reactions. We have tested in a pilot study the usefulness of fiteBac Skin Softening Gel against skin lesions following insect bites various in nature as well as a few other ailments (e.g. fungus-related intertrigo). Of the 23 cases tested, all but one responded to the treatment with complete resolution of skin lesions within a few days up to a week. The only exception was a case of suspected tick bite with local arthritic symptoms. In the latter, a combination of the fiteBac gel treatment with subsequent local administration of ibuprofen gel also resulted in complete remission of dermatitis and arthritis. We thus recommend wider use of this cosmetic/anti-infective agent for the prevention and treatment of insect bites to prevent subsequent infectious complications (such as, for instance, Lyme disease).