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Pre-operative shower using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)

Patient Education
Last reviewed

How to stop infections

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

Follow these instructions:

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

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

    Diagram
  1. Neck, chest, and abdomen
  2. Right shoulder, arm, hand, and under arm
  3. Left shoulder, arm, hand, and under arm
  4. Right leg and foot
  5. Left leg and foot
  6. Back of neck and back
  7. Between legs and groin
  8. Bottom

 

  • Rinse your body well.
  • Pat yourself dry with a clean, soft towel.
  • Put on clean clothing
  • Use clean sheets on your bed after your CHG shower.

Side effects are:

  • Dryness
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Sensitivity

Tell your doctor or nurse 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.