Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a widely used antiseptic solution for preparing skin before surgical procedures. Its primary purpose is to significantly reduce microorganisms on the skin, lowering the potential for surgical site infections. This contributes to a safer surgical experience.
Why Pre-Surgical Cleaning is Essential
Human skin naturally hosts diverse microorganisms. While harmless on intact skin, they pose a significant risk if introduced into a surgical wound. Bacteria on a patient’s skin are a common source of surgical site infections (SSIs), which can lead to serious complications, increased healthcare costs, and prolonged recovery times.
Cleaning the skin with an appropriate antiseptic like CHG helps to eliminate or substantially reduce this microbial load. This reduction in bacteria directly minimizes the chances of pathogens entering the surgical site. Effective pre-surgical skin preparation is a foundational step in safeguarding patient health and optimizing surgical outcomes. The goal is to rapidly kill resident skin flora at the incision site, thus reducing the risk of wound contamination.
Detailed Application Instructions
Using chlorhexidine gluconate before surgery involves a specific bathing routine on the night before and the morning of your procedure. Your healthcare provider will provide precise instructions, which may vary depending on the type of surgery. Generally, you should first wash your hair with your regular shampoo and rinse thoroughly. After rinsing, you can wet the rest of your body.
Once your body is wet, turn off the shower water or step away from the direct stream to prevent the CHG solution from rinsing off too quickly. Apply the CHG solution to your hands or a clean, wet washcloth, and then gently apply it to your entire body from the neck down. It is important to avoid sensitive areas such as the face, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and genital areas. Pay particular attention to the area where your surgery will be performed, as well as skin folds, underarms, and the groin area.
Lather your body gently for about 3 to 5 minutes, ensuring thorough coverage. After the recommended application time, turn the water back on and rinse your body completely until all the CHG soap is gone. Do not use your regular soap after washing with CHG, as some soaps can reduce its effectiveness. Finally, pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel and dress in clean clothes or pajamas, ideally sleeping on freshly laundered bed linens.
Important Safety Information
When using chlorhexidine gluconate, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and precautions. Skin irritation, manifesting as redness, itching, or a burning sensation, is a common reaction, though it is usually mild and temporary. In rare cases, more severe skin reactions can occur, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. If this happens, discontinue use and consult your healthcare professional.
It is crucial to prevent CHG from coming into contact with certain areas of the body. Avoid applying the solution to your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and mucous membranes. Contact with these areas can cause irritation or damage. CHG should also not be applied to open wounds or deep scrapes. Additionally, after using CHG, do not apply lotions, powders, deodorants, perfumes, or makeup, as these products can interfere with the antiseptic’s lingering effect.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider or surgical team immediately if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction after using chlorhexidine gluconate. These symptoms can include hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or a severe rash. Such reactions can occur rapidly after exposure and require prompt medical attention.
You should also reach out to your healthcare provider if you develop severe skin irritation, such as persistent redness, itching, or a rash that does not go away. If you accidentally ingest the CHG solution, seek medical advice promptly. Any questions or concerns about the proper use of CHG, or if you are unsure about any instructions, warrant contacting your medical team for clarification.