Methods. To determine the extent to which antibacterial soap can help reduce the incidence of acute bacterial infections of the lower limbs in persons with filarial lymphedema, 200 patients of the Ste. Croix Hospital lymphedema treatment clinic in Leogane, Haiti randomly assigned to receive either antibacterial (Safeguard) or placebo (Camay) soap and acute attacks monitored monthly for 12 months. Both groups received specific instructions on washing and skin care.