THE EFFECT OF TOPICAL 0.75-PERCENT METRONIDAZOLE GEL ON MALODOROUS CUTANEOUS ULCERS

The unpleasant smell of infected fungating tumors and benign cutaneous ulcers is a distressing clinical problem, known to be associated with anaerobic infection. Topical metronidazole 0.8% get has been shown to decrease smell from fungating malodorous tumors. This study was condu cted to assess prospectively the subjective and bacteriological respon se to 0.75% metronidazole gel to decrease smell from these lesions and to assess whether bacterial contamination of the tubes of gel occurs during use. Forty-seven patients with benign or malignant cutaneous le sions associated with a foul smell were assessed for smell, pain, appe arance, and bacteriological profile before entry and at 7 and 14 days. Forty-one (95%) of the 43 patients assessed at 14 days reported decre ased smell. Anaerobic infection was initially found in 25 (53%) of pat ients and was eliminated in 21 (84%) of these. At review after 7 days, patients reported less pain from the lesions. Discharge and associate d cellulitis were also observed to decrease significantly.