Becker's ASC: The Use of Chlorhexidine Gluconate in the Ambulatory Surgery Setting Oregonian: Dear Doctor: Is it safe to use Hibiclens in the genital area prior to surgery? DEAR DR. ROACH: I am at my wit’s end and hope that you can answer this for me.

Understanding the Context

I am a 76-year-old male. Next week, I’m going to have surgery in my genital area. My urologist told me to wash with ... Dear Doctor: Is it safe to use Hibiclens in the genital area prior to surgery?

Key Insights

Studies evaluating surgical-site infection have had conflicting results with respect to the use of alcohol solutions containing iodine povacrylex or chlorhexidine gluconate as skin antisepsis before ... Just because a topical antiseptic is swabbed on the skin doesn't mean it stays on the skin. In a new study, Northwestern University scientists studied how a powerful antiseptic, called chlorhexidine, ... Looks like doctors aren’t the only ones who should scrub before surgery. Bathing patients with an antiseptic and squirting medicated ointment up their noses dramatically cut the rate of dangerous ...

Final Thoughts

Chlorhexidine is sold as topical solutions, washes, sponges, and swabs. This antiseptic may be used to decrease dental plaque and prevent gingivitis. Using chlorhexidine may lead to an allergic ...