Is It Ok To Wash With Chlorhexidine Gluconate for your first shower after surgery?

Question

I am going to wash with the Chlorhexidine before but I was thinking why not get germs of after surgery too....

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, germs can get in afterward, but as long as the incisions are closed you should be okay.  Washing beforehand helps to decrease infections usually.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

We do not ask our patients to wash with a chlorhexidine.  It is an overkill and there is no scientific evidence that it helps.  It also makes no logical sense as the wash removes bacteria from the surface but your skin will be repopulated with bacteria after about 20 minutes.  What really matters is that your surgical area is properly scrubbed and cleaned prior to the surgery.After the surgery you should not get the wounds wet.  Follow your surgeon's recommendations.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

no need for that, just regular soap and water is best, it is gentler, cheaper and just as effective cleaner.

Deborah Ekstrom, MD · Answer

Recent evidence suggests that even an antibacterial soap may not be a good idea as it kills the "good" normal bacteria and make way for virulent bacteria to move in. An example of this is the disease C-diff that makes some people really sick when the prescribed antibiotic (say for some kind of pneumonia) destroys normal bowel bacteria, allowing a dangerous bacteria to get control.  Stick with whatever shower soap you ordinarily use.  Remember that you live in harmony with your good bacteria and germs.  Eliminating them is not neccessary, probably can't be accomplished with soap anyway, and may be undesirable.If you are still unsure, check in with your surgeon and follow his or her advice.Best wishes for an uneventful recovery and excellent result down the road!!

Is It Ok To Wash With Chlorhexidine Gluconate for your first shower after surgery?

Answers (4)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Laser treatment then tummy tuck? (photo)

How long does it take for skin to tighten after tummy tuck?

Tried jumping rope 3 1/2 months after extended tummy tuck and felt a odd, dissolving sensation and tightness?

Is it normal to have a bump on incision 3 weeks after abdominal surgery? (photo)

Went for consult on coolsculpting /lipo and was asked to consider being part of a laser treatment then TT operation?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS