CHG bath 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate cloths

What are CHG cloths?

CHG cloths are disposable wipes moistened with a rinse-free, 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) antiseptic solution.

The skin is a constant source of germs. CHG kills 99% of the germs on the skin. Use these cloths as instructed to help clean your child's skin.

When should you NOT use these wipes?

Do not use these cloths if your child:

• Is a premature infant less than 28 0/7 weeks corrected gestational age.
• Has an allergy to CHG.
• Has severe skin breakdown.
• Is receiving radiation therapy for cancer.
• Is receiving certain chemotherapy drugs (Thiotepa).
• Avoid skin where there is an open wound or incision, but use CHG on the rest of the skin below the jawline.
• When CHG should not be used, give a bath with a non-CHG product (such as soap and water bath or use a non-CHG wipe product).

How do I use the cloths?

The CHG bath should be done ideally within 6 hours of surgery but can be done up to 24 hours before surgery.

Before you begin, your nurse will provide you with the right number of cloths and tell you where to use them on your child (see chart below).

Follow these steps:

1. Remove any stool from your child's bottom before wiping with CHG cloths.
2. Wash your hands with warm soapy water or use hand sanitizer.
3. Do not use the cloths on your child's face or head.
4. CHG cloths are for external use only. DO NOT use cloths on open wounds, open incisions, mucosal areas (lips, nose, mouth, anus, vagina or tip of penis).
5. Wipe the cloths using a circular or back and forth motion over the skin.
6. Allow to air dry. DO NOT towel off skin.
7. Check to see that CHG doesn't stay wet between skin folds on the neck or other places on the body.
8. Discard dry cloths in the trash. Do not flush cloths.

Can I touch my child after the bath?

Yes. This bath is given to help reduce germs on the skin. This is not a sterile preparation.

What else do I need to know?

When applied to sensitive skin, CHG may cause irritation such as a temporary itching sensation, burning and/or redness. If this occurs, wash the skin with soap and water.

Keep the cloths out of eyes, ears, and mouth. If contact occurs, rinse with cold water right away and call your nurse or doctor.

CHG cloth chart by weight

Number of cloths by weight	Under 20 pounds: Use 2 cloths (1 packet)	20-65 pounds: Use 4 cloths (2 packets)	More than 65 pounds: Use 6 cloths (3 packets)
Cloth 1	Chest, abdomen, both arms, back neck	Chest, abdomen, both arms, neck	Chest, abdomen, both arms, neck
Cloth 2	Both legs, buttocks, groin area (do not use cloth on female genitalia, tip of penis or anus)	Back, buttocks	Right leg
Cloth 3	–	Both legs	Left leg
Cloth 4	–	Groin area (do not use cloth on female genitalia, tip of penis or anus)	Back
Cloth 5	–	–	Buttocks
Cloth 6	–	–	Groin area (do not use cloth on female genitalia, tip of penis or anus)

Questions?

This information is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, ask your nurse or doctor.

Last reviewed 4/2024

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