Hibiclens-
post-op skin protection after
surgical procedures

Hibiclens, the #1 pharmacist-recommended antibacterial soap,1 begins to kill germs on contact.2 Use Hibiclens as part of your post-operative skin care plan.

A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place.4 Most patients do not develop an infection, and if they do, most are not serious and involve only the skin. However, some SSIs can become serious if they spread to deeper tissues and organs.

Here are some tips from the CDC to help avoid getting an SSI:3

  • Follow your healthcare team’s instructions for proper wound care; make sure you understand how to care for your wound before you leave the hospital
  • Do not touch your surgery site with anything that is not clean
  • Family and friends should not touch the surgical wound or dressings
  • All visitors should clean their hands with soap and water or an antiseptic, such as Hibiclens, before and after visiting you; this rule applies for everyone, including your surgeon, nurse, family or friends
  • If you have any symptoms of an infection, call your doctor immediately – this includes redness and pain around where you had surgery, drainage of cloudy fluid from your surgical wound, or running a fever and feeling ill

Remember, when using Hibiclens:

  • Don’t use Hibiclens on infants younger than two months old
  • Don’t use Hibiclens if you’re allergic to chlorhexidine
  • Don’t use Hibiclens on your eyes, ears, mouth, genital area or on deep wounds. If you have a wound and aren’t sure if you should use Hibiclens on it, ask your doctor or nurse
  • Don’t use regular soap, lotion, cream, powder or deodorant after washing with Hibiclens
  • If you have an irritation or allergic reaction when using Hibiclens, stop using it and call your doctor

Is it safe to use Hibiclens while taking other medications?

It is safe to use Hibiclens while taking other medications; however, some topical products such as lotions, shampoos and deodorants may interfere with the binding of Hibiclens to the skin.4 If you have concerns, please check with your healthcare professional to determine if a topical medication is compatible with Hibiclens.

Refer to Drug Facts.

  1. https://www.otcguide.net/recommendations/antibacterial-soaps
  2. Paulson, Daryl S. Persistent and Residual Antimicrobial Effects: Are They Important in the Clinical Setting? Infection Control Today 2005; Vol 9. No 4.
  3. CDC https://www.cdc.gov/features/safesurgery/index.html
  4. Chlorhexidine in Healthcare: Your Questions Answered, Laura A. Stokowksi, RN, MS, http://medscape.com/viewarticle/726075, August 04, 2010