Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Cleansing

WHAT IS CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antimicrobial agent that is often used as a skin cleanser prior to the surgery. Using this product properly, you will help reduce your chance of developing a surgical site infection.

HOW DO YOU USE CHG PROPERLY?

You will use this for total 3 days: two consecutive nights before the surgery and the morning of your surgery. One bottle of CHG solution (i.e., Aplicare, Hibiclens) or CHG wipes should be obtained depending on where you are having surgeries.

For the 2 consecutive nights before surgery: Shower first and apply CHG

A.    Wash with shampoo and soap as you do normally and rinse them off completely.

B.    Apply CHG on your body (CHG wipes can be applied over dry skin after shower)

a.     Turn off water. You don’t want to rinse the CHG too soon.

b.     Pour 1/3 of liquid CHG solution onto a clean damp washcloth. DO NOT DILUTE IT.

c.     Start on the body site of operation and apply the remainder of your body EXCLUDING genitals, anus, eyes, ears, and mouth

d.     Concentrate on the surgical site as well as skin fold, feet and toes

e.     Leave the solution on your skin for 3-5 minutes

C.     Rinse the CHG solution away

D.    Dry well using a clean towel

E.     DO NOT use any ointments, lots, and powders afterward

The Morning of Surgery: NO SHOWER but just apply CHG

            Repeat above steps B-D

WARNING!!

–   Do not use on open wounds, face, eyes/ears/mouth, genitals

–   If you develop any allergic reactions, stop and contact your doctor right away

–   If this product comes in contact with eyes, flush with cool water for 15 minutes. If it is accidentally swallowed, contact your family physician and/or poison control center immediately