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Showering Using Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Soap Before a Procedure

Patient Education
Published Oct. 12, 2021
• Reviewed by a UI Health Care Provider
on March 9, 2026

How to stop infections

UI Health Care is working to prevent infections. Your care team will give you CHG soap at the appointment before your surgery. Use this soap to clean your skin the evening before and morning of your surgery. CHG is better than regular soap at removing germs on your skin. 

Follow these instructions:

  1. Do not shave near where you will have surgery. Shaving with a razor can irritate your skin and make it easier to develop an infection.
  2. Remove all jewelry until after surgery. Take off rings and take out all body-piercing jewelry.
  3. Wash your face and hair with your normal soap and shampoo before you use CHG soap.
  4. Use the same amount of CHG soap as you would your normal soap.
  5. Turn off the water before using CHG soap so it does not rinse off too soon. 
    • Do not use CHG soap on your face, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or genitals. Do not put it on any wounds or deep scrapes. If you do, rinse right away.
    • Do not scrub your skin too hard.
    • Do not wash with your normal soap after using CHG soap.
    • Do not put on any deodorants, lotions, or oils after showering. If these are needed, talk with your nurse first. They might block how CHG works. 
  6. Ask another adult for help cleaning your skin (if needed).

  7. Use a clean washcloth to wash your skin with CHG soap. Use enough CHG soap to cover the skin on your entire body from the jaw down.  Follow the picture below:

    Body Parts identified

     

  8. Turn the water back on after 1 minute. Rinse your body well. 
  9. Pat yourself dry with a clean, soft towel. 
  10. Put on clean clothing.
  11. Use clean sheets on your bed after your CHG shower. 

Side effects are:

  • Dryness
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Sensitivity

Tell your care team if you:

  • Are allergic to CHG. 
  • Have had a reaction to CHG in the past.
  • Have skin that is red, itchy, or burning for more than 30 minutes.

What else should I know?

Use anti-bacterial soap if you are allergic to CHG.