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Chlorhexidine Skin Antisepsis

Chlorhexidine is a compound that has massive antiseptic properties. It is seen to be highly effective in eliminating both gram positive as well as gram negative bacterial cells. It also stops the growth of bacteria by recombining with their genetic information to produce effective bacteriostatic properties. Although investigations are ongoing, but general signs suggest that it shows some inhibitory activity with certain strains of viruses. Its skin antiseptic properties are of much use in the veterinary field also.

  1. Types of Infectious Microorganisms

    • The atmosphere contains various types of microorganisms. In the list, the first group is harmful bacteria. Many bacterial diseases are rampant in the society and some of them may be recurrent and refractory. The second group is virus. The third and fourth group comprise of protozoa and fungus. We require protection from these pathogenic attacks which can lead to severe infections and diseases. The use of chlorhexidine skin antiseptic protects us from infectious microorganisms.

    Chlorhexidine as an Antiseptic and its Characteristics

    • Any medicine that gives protection collectively against bacteria, virus, protozoa and fungus is called antiseptic medicine. Chlorhexidine is considered to be one of the best antiseptics. It is well known and long trusted by the doctors and backed by proven clinical records. Chlorhexidine is a broad spectrum. It is applied topically on the infected areas at least twice or three times per day. It acts as a detergent against the pathogens and helps the skin in maintaining a temporary sterile condition.

    Protection Provided by Chlorhexidine

    • Chlorhexidine can provide concurrent disinfection. Chlorhexidine can be used on a patient just after discharging infectious materials from the body or just after some surgery as an immediate protective measure. Similarly, chlorhexidine is used in terminal disinfection. It protects the patient from future infections. Coupled with its preservative properties, it is an underlying component in oral rinses and skin cleansing agents. Chlorhexidine is safe and skin friendly. Cases of local irritation or skin allergies are virtually unknown with chlorhexidine.

    Presentation of Chlorhexidine

    • The mode of presentation of chlorhexidine is very flexible. It can be used as lotion or ointment as an antiseptic, or it can also be used as disinfectant soap. Many health professionals use chlorhexidine soap after routine examination of patients. Chlorhexidine acts as surface disinfectant and its base is generally alcohol, which gives it an additional disinfection quality. It is seen that chlorhexidine does not have too much of a greasy feeling and gets dried up shortly after application.

    Limitations of Chlorhexidine

    • Chlorhexidine covers a broad range but its penetration is not very high. Additional specific antimicrobial coverage is necessary in severe conditions. Also, it has certain side effects when used without care. General chlorhexidine instructions warn the applicator from using the solution near the eyes, nose and ears. Even in case of animal use, applications near the eyes and ears are done very carefully with solutions that have less that 0.04 percent chlorhexidine in them.

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