Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) treatment

What is a CHG wipe treatment?

It is a way of bathing using Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) soaked wipes. CHG kills bacteria on your child's skin and prevents other organisms from growing. Using these wipes helps prevent infections while staying in the hospital.

Important

Do not use CHG treatment on the head, face, genitals or on any broken-down skin (i.e., open wounds, rashes or burns).

Using CHG treatment wipes

Who needs to use CHG treatment wipes?

CHG treatment wipes are used on children with central venous catheters, or as directed by their care team for those going through cancer treatment.
They should be used every day on all patients two months or older with central venous catheters (a long, flexible tube inserted into a large vein that leads to the heart).
CHG treatment wipes or soap and water baths should be used the night before or the morning of a scheduled surgery.
All pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients two months old or older — with or without a central venous catheter — should have a CHG treatment every day.

How do I use CHG treatment wipes?

Wipes are only used on the body. Wash your child's face and hair using regular soap and shampoo. Rinse well and dry.
When your child's skin is fully dried, use a new wipe to wash each body area in the order shown in the diagram below.
The CHG needs to air dry on the skin naturally (do not wipe off). It might feel sticky for a few minutes while drying - this means it's working.
After the CHG treatment, do not put any products on the skin such as deodorant, lotions, moisturizers or makeup (except for hospital provided CHG compatible lotion).
After CHG treatment, dress your child in clean clothes/pajamas and have them sleep on clean sheets/ pillowcases.
In case of any urine or stool, use a washcloth and water to clean the skin first. Dry the area and then use a CHG wipe to clean the groin, avoiding the genitals.
Throw used wipes in the garbage. Do not flush CHG treatments in the toilet.

How many wipes should I use?

If your child needs CHG wipes, please ask their care team.

Infants and toddlers

1. Use the first wipe on the chest, neck, back and abdomen.

2. Use the second wipe on both legs (back and front), the groin area (do not use on the genitals) and finally the buttocks.

Children and youth

Use the first wipe on the chest, neck and abdomen.
Use the second wipe on the right leg (thigh to toes).
Use the third wipe on the left leg (thigh to toes).
Use the fourth wipe on the back.
Use the fifth wipe on the arms (armpits last).
Use the sixth wipe on the groin area (do not use on the genitals), and finally the buttocks.

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