Whether you’re having orthopedic surgery or cosmetic surgery, it’s crucial that you prepare yourself prior to going under the knife. Here’s what you need to know about chlorhexidine washes, including how to do it correctly and how often you should get them before surgery.

What is chlorhexidine?

chlorhexidine wash is an antiseptic wash that is used to cleanse the skin before surgery. It is often used in cases where the skin may be broken, such as a surgery or from burns. The benefits of chlorhexidine are that it kills bacteria on contact and also has a slight numbing effect, which means patients will feel less pain during the procedure.

How does chlorhexidine work?

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that is used to clean skin before surgery. It kills bacteria and viruses by interfering with the production of folic acid in the cells.

Why is chlorhexidine important before surgery?

Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial agent that has been shown to be effective in reducing the bacterial burden on surgical wounds. This means that the presence of chlorhexidine reduces the post-operative incidence rate and severity of infections, as well as their duration.
When a patient undergoes surgery, they are at an increased risk for infection. This is because bacteria live in every nook and cranny and come into contact with open wounds during surgery.

How do I use chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent that prevents the growth of a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It’s commonly used for skin antisepsis before surgery because it has been shown to reduce surgical site infection rates by up to 90%. Chlorhexidine should be applied with a sponge or cloth for at least 30 seconds and then washed off with soap and water.