Preoperative Shower With Hibiclens (Chlorhexidine)

Prior to your surgery, you can play an important role in your own healthcare. The skin normally has germs and bacteria on it. Before surgery, we need to be sure that your skin is clean and free of germs. To do this, we are providing Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate 4 percent soap solution) for you to use the night before and the morning of your surgery. Hibiclens is an antimicrobial and antibacterial cleanser that reduces the number of germs on your skin.

Before using Hibiclens, you need to have the following ready:

• A clean washcloth and towel for use during and after your shower.
• A clean clothes to put on after your shower.

Do NOT shave the areas of your body where surgery is being done.

Shower:

• On the night before and the morning of your surgery, wash and rinse your hair using your normal shampoo. Make sure you completely rinse the shampoo from your hair and body.
• Put Hibiclens on a clean, wet washcloth and lather your body. Turn the water off in the shower, or move away from the water spray, to keep from rinsing the soap off.
• Do NOT use Hibiclens on your face. Keep from getting the soap in your eyes, ears, mouth, genitals or any open wounds.
• Gently wash your body for 2-3 minutes. Clean and scrub under your fingernails.
• Do not wash with your regular soap after using Hibiclens.
• Turn the water back on, or step back under the water spray, and completely rinse your body of all the soap.
• Pat yourself dry with a clean, freshly laundered towel. Do not apply powders or lotions to your skin after your shower.
• Dress in clean clothing.