Can you use Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) on open wounds?

You can use most Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) products to clean open wounds to prevent possible infection, but they shouldn't be used over open wounds that are deep. Read the packaging to make sure you can use the product on open wounds. For example, [2% chlorhexidine cloths](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bdb6a012-37e5-4664-84a3-134bea284744) are meant for prepping intact skin before surgery only; it's not meant to be used on open wounds. Contact your provider for more appropriate wound care if you have a deep wound.

Are Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) stains permanent?

Washing clothes or towels that have Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) on it with chlorine bleach can cause an orange, red, or brown stain. Unfortunately, these stains can be [permanent](https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(19)30463-8/fulltext). Try using non-chlorine-based detergents to wash Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) off fabrics to prevent staining.

Does Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) burn?

Skin burns [aren't a common side effect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213576622002639) of Hibiclens (chlorhexidine). But it's possible, especially in [very young infants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24413032/) because they have [very sensitive skin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305417919307065). This is why you should ask a provider before using Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) on premature babies or infants under 2 months of age. If the provider says it's okay, you should still use Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) carefully on their skin to prevent burns. Let your provider know if you notice a skin burn or a bothersome burning sensation while you're using Hibiclens (chlorhexidine).

Does Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) expire?

Yes, all Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) products expire. Use Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) until the expiration date written on the packaging. Don't use the product [past its expiration date](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/safety/expired-medications) because [we don't know](https://hibiclens.com/faqs/) whether it works well beyond that date.

Hibiclens

chlorhexidine

Used for Wound Care

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate) is an over-the-counter, antiseptic product that's used to clean the skin. It helps prevent skin infections by killing germs; it doesn't treat skin infections that you already have. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) is available as solutions (soaps), gels, and cloths that are used on the skin of adults and children. Side effects aren't common, but can sometimes include skin irritation.

Reviewed by:

Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on September 25, 2023

What is Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)?

What is Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) used for?

General skin cleansing
Skin wound cleansing
Skin cleansing to prepare for surgery
Hand washing and scrubbing for healthcare staff

How Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) works

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) is an antiseptic skin cleanser. It destroys the protective covering of bacterial cells, which kills the bacteria. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) also works against some fungi and viruses, though experts aren't exactly sure how it kills them.

Are you looking for information on chlorhexidine mouthwash (Peridex) instead?

When does Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	Hibiclens, Antiseptic Skin Cleanser
Drug Class	Antiseptic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Over-the-counter

Common Brands

Hibiclens, Antiseptic Skin Cleanser

Drug Class

Antiseptic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Over-the-counter

Side effects of Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Side effects aren't common. See Risks and Warnings.

Less Common Side Effects

Skin irritation or sensitivity

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Severe allergic reaction: wheezing, trouble breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, rash

Source: DailyMed

The following Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness

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Avg retail price

$12.98(Save 35.67%)

GoodRx discount

$8.35

See prices

Pros and cons of Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

Pros

Prevents infections on the skin
Prevents spread of infection in healthcare settings
Available over the counter

Cons

Not recommended for repeated use over large body areas or on deep wounds
Doesn't treat infections that you already have
Risk of irritation or chemical burn if used on infants under 2 months of age or premature babies

Pharmacist tips for Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

Be careful not to get Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) in your eyes, ears, mouth or genital area. If this happens, rinse the area with cold water right away to prevent skin or tissue injury.
Don't apply Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) to deep wounds or over large parts of your body repeatedly, unless your provider instructs you to do so.
Stop using Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) and talk to your provider if you notice that the medication starts irritating your skin.
If you get Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) on clothing, don't use chlorine bleach to wash it off. Bleach reacts with Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) and can leave an orange, red, or brown stain.
Ask your child's provider whether it's safe to use Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) on premature babies or infants under 2 months old. If the provider says it's okay, be careful using the medication on these young children because it might cause irritation and chemical burns on them.
Keep Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) away from children so they can't reach it. Get medical help or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if someone accidentally swallows Hibiclens (chlorhexidine).
Keep Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) at room temperature. Avoid keeping the product at very hot temperatures (above 104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Common questions about Hibiclens

Since Hibiclens comes in many strengths and forms (e.g., solutions or soaps, gels, cloths), make sure to follow the product instructions on the package or ask your provider or pharmacist about how to use. Specific instructions can also depend on whether you're using Hibiclens for general skin and wound cleansing, surgery prep, or hand washing in a healthcare facility. For general skin cleansing and wound cleansing using Hibiclens solutions, rinse the skin with water. Then, use the smallest amount of Hibiclens needed to cover the area. Wash the area gently and then rinse the medication off with water. Don't keep Hibiclens on the skin as you would with hand sanitizer or medicated cream.

In general, it's best to avoid using Hibiclens on areas of skin that are typically sensitive. It's not meant to be used as a regular facial cleanser; it can cause irritation and injury if it gets in your eyes, ears, or mouth. Also avoid applying Hibiclens to the genital areas, as this can damage the skin and tissue around that area. Ask your provider whether it's safe to use Hibiclens to a particular area of skin that's sensitive.

Yes, Hibiclens can kill yeast, a particular type of fungus. Keep in mind that Hibiclens is used to prevent infections (including some yeast infections), but it doesn't treat any yeast infections that you already have. If you have a yeast infection, ask your provider how to best treat it. Your provider might recommend using an antifungal medication to treat the yeast infection.

You can use most Hibiclens products to clean open wounds to prevent possible infection, but they shouldn't be used over open wounds that are deep. Read the packaging to make sure you can use the product on open wounds. For example, 2% chlorhexidine cloths are meant for prepping intact skin before surgery only; it's not meant to be used on open wounds. Contact your provider for more appropriate wound care if you have a deep wound.

Washing clothes or towels that have Hibiclens on it with chlorine bleach can cause an orange, red, or brown stain. Unfortunately, these stains can be permanent. Try using non-chlorine-based detergents to wash Hibiclens off fabrics to prevent staining.

Skin burns aren't a common side effect of Hibiclens. But it's possible, especially in very young infants because they have very sensitive skin. This is why you should ask a provider before using Hibiclens on premature babies or infants under 2 months of age. If the provider says it's okay, you should still use Hibiclens carefully on their skin to prevent burns. Let your provider know if you notice a skin burn or a bothersome burning sensation while you're using Hibiclens.

Yes, all Hibiclens products expire. Use Hibiclens until the expiration date written on the packaging. Don't use the product past its expiration date because we don't know whether it works well beyond that date.

Risks and warnings for Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Allergic reactions

It's possible to have an allergic reaction from Hibiclens (chlorhexidine). These allergic reactions can include anaphylaxis (closing of the throat), which can be life-threatening. Call 911 if this happens. Contact your provider or seek medical care as soon as possible if you experience rash, hives, swelling of the face or neck, wheezing, trouble breathing, or feeling like you might faint. These can be signs of an allergic reaction that needs medical attention.

Use only on appropriate parts of the skin

Don't use Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) in the genital area or in your eyes, ears, or mouth. Otherwise, the medication can injure or damage those areas of the body. In rare cases, permanent problems with eyesight can happen if the eye isn't rinsed after Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) gets in the eye. Likewise, permanent problems with hearing can happen if the medication stays in the ear. Make sure to rinse these areas well with cold water as soon as possible if Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) gets in your eyes, ears, mouth, or genital area.

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) dosage

The average cost for 1 bottle of 118ml of 4% of Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) is $8.35 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 35.67% off the average retail price of $12.98.

Bottle of cleanser

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
118ml of 4%	1 bottle	$8.35	$8.35

Typical dosage for Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) comes in many forms, such as solutions (soaps), gels, and cloths. Products made by different manufacturers can have different strengths and directions. Follow the specific product instructions on the package or ask your provider or pharmacist about how to use chlorhexidine.

For Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) solutions:

For general skin cleansing and skin wound cleansing: Rinse the area of skin with water. Apply the smallest amount of Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) needed to cover the area and wash gently. Then, rinse off the medication well with water.
For healthcare staff: Wet the area of skin with water. Follow the product instructions to use Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) to scrub the area of skin for 1.5 to 3 minutes. How much product you need to use and how long you need to scrub for depends on the strength of Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) that you're using. Rinse off the medication with water and dry well. Be sure to clean your fingernails, cuticles, and skin between the fingers.

How much does Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Hibiclens (brand)

GoodRx lowest price

$8.35

(save 35.67%)

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What are alternatives to Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Hibiclens (chlorhexidine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

Used for:

General skin cleansing
Skin wound cleansing
Skin cleansing to prepare for surgery
Hand washing and scrubbing for healthcare staff

$8.35Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Povidone iodine (Betadine)

Used for:

To prevent skin infections from:

Small cuts
Scrapes
Burns
Surgeries (swabstick and sponge only)

$6.47Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) images

This medicine is Pink Bottle Of Cleanser.pink - Hibiclens 4% Topical Cleanser

This medicine is Pink Bottle Of Cleanser.pink - Hibiclens 4% Topical Cleanser Pump

References

Best studies we found

Abdel-Sayed, P., et al. (2020). Implications of chlorhexidine use in burn units for wound healing. Burns.

AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation. (2020). Antiseptic skin cleanser- 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

Kutsch, J., et al. (2014). Neonatal skin and chlorhexidine: A burning experience. Neonatal Network.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

What is Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)?

What is Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) used for?

How Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) works

Are you looking for information on chlorhexidine mouthwash (Peridex) instead?

Drug facts

Side effects of Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

Common Side Effects

Less Common Side Effects

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) serious side effects

The following Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) side effects have also been reported

Get your GoodRx coupon

Pros and cons of Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

Pros

Cons

Pharmacist tips for Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

Common questions about Hibiclens

How do you use Hibiclens?

Can you use Hibiclens to clean sensitive areas of skin?

Does Hibiclens kill fungus?

Can you use Hibiclens on open wounds?

Are Hibiclens stains permanent?

Does Hibiclens burn?

Does Hibiclens expire?

Risks and warnings for Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

Allergic reactions

Use only on appropriate parts of the skin

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) dosage

Typical dosage for Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

How much does Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) cost?

$8.35

What are alternatives to Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)?

Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) images

References

View All References (7)

Common questions about Hibiclens

How do you use Hibiclens?

Can you use Hibiclens to clean sensitive areas of skin?

Does Hibiclens kill fungus?

Can you use Hibiclens on open wounds?

Are Hibiclens stains permanent?

Does Hibiclens burn?

Does Hibiclens expire?