chapter 1. General approach to developing topical antimicrobials -- chapter 2. Skin properties -- chapter 3. Skin microbiology -- chapter 4. Specific microorganisms -- chapter 5. Measurement of antimicrobial action of topical antimicrobials -- chapter 6. Current topical antimicrobials -- chapter 7. General statistics -- chapter 8. Specific statistical designs for clinical trials -- chapter 9. Epistemological requirements in evaluating the effects of specific treatments -- chapter 10. Evaluation strategies and sample working protocols.