Preventing Infections by Keeping Your Skin Clean
What you can do to help keep yourself safe
Why is it important to keep my skin clean?
 Germs on your skin are a common cause of infections that may occur while you are in the
hospital. Some of these germs live on your skin naturally while other germs come from
the hands of people around you (family, visitors and staff).
What can I do to keep my skin clean while in the hospital?
 Thoroughly washing your skin with a special soap called Hibiclens will help keep your skin
as germ free as possible. This soap contains chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) that binds to
your skin and keeps killing germs even after you have rinsed it off. CHG is a commonly
used antiseptic that is found in many products.
How often should I wash with Hibiclens?
 Daily. It is important to wash with Hibiclens once a day while you are in the hospital. If
your bottle runs out, please let the staff know. We will provide you with another.
Can I use my regular lotion, powder or deodorant after washing with Hibiclens?
 No. Many products are not compatible with the CHG in Hibiclens and if used, may cause
the CHG to not work as well to prevent infections.
 The staff will provide you with lotion that can be used while you are in the hospital.
Indications for use:
 Hibiclens is a gentle skin cleanser and antiseptic that kills germs on contact. It should be
used only as directed.
 Hibiclens is for external use only.
 Hibiclens should not be used on the head or face and as with any soap, keep out of your
eyes, ears, and mouth. If contact occurs with any of these areas, rinse with cold water.
When not to use Hibiclens:
 Do not use Hibiclens if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG).
 Stop using Hibiclens if you have itching, burning, or redness after application. Notify the
staff if this occurs.
Please use the instructions on the following page to help
you wash with Hibiclens correctly.
Daily Bathing with HIBICLENS
When you bathe or shower:
1. Wash hair first as usual with your regular shampoo. Then rinse your hair and body well to
remove the shampoo residue. Do not use Hibiclens on your head.
2. Wash face with your regular soap or water only. Do not use Hibiclens on your face.
3. Wash genital area (vagina or penis) with regular soap or water only.
4. Apply the Hibiclens directly to your skin or onto a clean washcloth. Wash your entire body
from the neck down, gently and thoroughly, with the soapy lather for 3 to 5 minutes. You
will need 4 to 8 pumps of Hibiclens to cover your body with enough soap from the neck
down. (Use the minimum amount necessary.)
5. If there are areas on your body that you cannot reach (such as the back of your neck, your
back, or your legs) ask a family member or the staff to help you. It is important to clean all
areas of the skin from the neck down with Hibiclens.

Be sure to clean your armpits and groin well.

If you have a central line, clean the skin all the way up to the protective dressing
covering the central line.
6. Rinse body thoroughly.
7. Pat dry with a clean, dry towel.
After you bathe or shower:

Do not use any lotions, powders, or deodorants from home. If you need
lotion, please ask the staff. We can give you lotion that works with
the Hibiclens.

Put on clean clothes or a clean hospital gown.

Ask the staff to change your sheets and pillow cases.