Learning About Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Wipes for Children

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a special cleanser that is used to clean the skin and protect against germs. It comes as disposable wipes.

CHG wipes are used to prevent infections. Using these wipes can lower your child’s chance of getting an infection before or after surgery. The wipes can also help protect your child from infections while in the intensive care unit (ICU), the hospital, or another care facility.

If your child is in the hospital, your care team will show you how to use CHG wipes. If your child is at home, your doctor might advise using CHG wipes if your child has a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Bathing with CHG wipes at home might also be advised before your child has surgery to reduce the chance of infection.

CHG wipes may be used every day in the hospital if your child is in the ICU or has certain medical devices. The number of wipes you use depends on your child's weight. Follow instructions from your care team about how many wipes to use, as the number may vary. For example, you may be told to use 2 wipes if your child is under 20 pounds, 4 wipes if your child is 20 to 65 pounds, and 6 wipes if your child is over 65 pounds.

Here are some general guidelines for using CHG wipes. Follow specific instructions from your care team. Some children may not be able to use CHG wipes depending on their age or other treatments they are receiving.

• Wash your hands.
• Use wipes by rubbing in a circular or back and forth motion from the top of your child’s body down.
• Wipes should be used on your child’s chest, belly, arms, hands, neck, back, legs, feet, buttocks, and groin area.
• Do not use CHG wipes on your child’s face or head, female genitals, tip of penis, or anus.
• Do not use CHG wipes on your child’s open sores or wounds, rashes, or third- or fourth-degree burns.
• If your child has a central line, the care team may use wipes to clean the area around your child’s central line dressing and tubing.
• Allow the CHG to fully air dry on your child’s skin. This will typically take 10 to 15 minutes.
• Do not rinse or wash your child’s skin after the CHG has dried.
• If your child is able to take a shower or a bath with soap and water during the hospital stay, CHG wipes still need to be used afterward. Wait until the skin is cool and dry after the shower or bath before cleaning the skin with the CHG wipes.
• After the CHG is dry, the care team will change your child’s bedding, clothing, and diaper (if applicable). This is to prevent any germs that were present from getting on your child’s clean skin.
• Do not flush the CHG wipes down the toilet. Place them in the trash.
• Check with your care team before using any other lotions or soaps.

Many studies show that using CHG wipes to bathe helps prevent infections that can happen during a hospital stay. These include infections linked to central lines and urinary catheters.

Your child’s skin may feel itchy or sticky as the CHG dries. This is normal and should stop once the skin is dry.

Other reactions to CHG wipes are rare but can include:

• Skin irritation.
• Allergic reactions. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, or a rash.

If you notice any of these reactions, alert your care team.