Monday December 18, 2006
Bedseide procedure tip ! - application of chlorhexidine

While preping skin for bedside procedures with chlorhexidine only one round of the application is enough. As we all are use to apply three applications of Betadine (povidone-iodine), there is a tendency to do the same with chlorhexidine. Also as chlorhexidine is colorless, in pursuit of safety, we tend to apply extra amount.

Excessive use of chlorhexidine may cause a severe dermatitis reaction 1-3 . One application of chlorhexidine is enough and more safe.


Related previous pearl: Betdadine or Chlorhexidin ?



References : Click to get article/abstract
1. Allergic contact dermatitis from chlorhexidine. - Dermatitis. 2004 Mar;15(1):45-7.
2. Contact dermatitis to chlorhexidine - Contact Dermatitis, Volume 8 Issue 2 Page 81 - April 1982
3. IgE-mediated anaphylaxis from chlorhexidine: diagnostic possibilities - Contact DermatitisVolume 55 Issue 5 Page 301 - November 2006