Chlorhexidine - Topical

Topical

Chlorhexidine is used as a topical antiseptic skin scrub in hospital and household settings. It is used for general skin cleansing, as a surgical scrub, and as a pre-operative skin preparation. It is often used as a rubbing agent prior to the use of hypodermic or intravenous needles in place of iodine. Chlorhexidine is contraindicated for use near the meninges, in body cavities, and near the eyes and ears. At the 2% concentration, it can cause serious and permanent injury with prolonged contact with the eye or if instilled carefully and going through the nose through a perforated eardrum. Nevertheless, a topical solution of 0.02% chlorhexidine is recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as treatment for keratitis caused by Acanthamoeba. As a scrub, chlorhexidine is not recommended on persons under two months of age. Anionic ingredients in many leave-on topicals and cosmetics, including those in acne products, cleansers, and moisturizers, will inactivate it.