Hibiclens –
skin care for athletes and families

WHY CHOOSE HIBICLENS?

  • As easy to use as any liquid soap2
  • More effective than other skin cleansing options3
  • Binds to the skin and leaves a layer of protection
  • Fast-acting – begins killing germs on contact4

Why athletes are at risk for MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (commonly known as MRSA) and other skin infections are most common among athletes in sports with a lot of skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling, football and rugby. However, MRSA and other staph infections have been reported among athletes in other sports, including those that involve only small amounts of physical contact.

In these cases, MRSA spread might take place before or after participation in locker rooms and other facilities or on athletic equipment. Experts advise that anyone participating in organized or recreational sports be aware of the signs of possible skin infections and follow prevention measures.1

MRSA symptoms1

Often people with an MRSA skin infection think they have a spider bite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that unless you actually see a spider, it’s probably not a spider bite. Most staph skin infections, including MRSA, appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that might be:

  • Red
  • Swollen
  • Painful
  • Warm to the touch
  • Full of pus or other drainage
  • Accompanied by a fever

If you or someone in your family has these symptoms, cover the area with a bandage, wash your hands and contact your doctor. It is especially important to contact your doctor if the symptoms are accompanied by a fever.

To prevent spreading MRSA1

  • Cover the infected area and keep it covered with clean, dry bandages until healed. Follow your doctor’s instructions about how to treat staph infections and proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain MRSA, so keeping the infection covered will help prevent the spread to healthy people
  • Clean your hands often with a proven antiseptic like Hibiclens*. You, your family and others in close contact should wash their hands frequently, especially after changing the bandage or touching the infected wound
  • Do not share personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors and clothing, including uniforms
  • Wash used sheets, towels and clothes with water and laundry detergent. Use a dryer to dry them completely. Clean your hands after touching dirty clothes

*Hibiclens is not approved as a stand-alone treatment for MRSA.

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/community/index.html
  2. Mölnlycke Health Care, Data on File. Study # R05-0225.
  3. Final Report 041101-201. Final Report 040907-150.
  4. Paulson, Daryl S. Persistent and Residual Antimicrobial Effects: Are They Important in the Clinical Setting? Infection Control Today 2005; Vol 9, No 4.