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How to Use CHG Wipes

What are CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate) wipes? 

CHG wipes are disposable cloths that contain chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) to kill germs on the skin. Daily treatment using CHG wipes are one of the best ways to prevent infection during a hospital stay. During an inpatient stay, patients with a central line should not have tub or shower baths because of an increased risk for central line infection.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG)

A cleaner used on the skin to kill germs.

CHG helps protect your child from infections. Your child may need a CHG treatment every day while in the hospital or at home. The CHG treatment also acts as a bath. CHG kills germs on the skin for up to six hours after treatment. In addition to protecting against germs, it can help patients feel better and gives the chance to check for skin changes before they cause problems.

Use CHG wipes

  • To treat the skin in patients who have low or poor immune systems related to treatments from cancer or other pediatric diseases, or who are staying in the hospital.
  • For daily baths instead of a tub bath or shower.
  • For cleaning after vomiting or diarrhea. Use a damp cloth first; then follow with a CHG wipe.
  • To clean the diaper area. Clean and dry the bottom area normally; then use a CHG wipe. When cleaning the diaper area, avoid using the CHG wipe on perineal area (anus, vagina, or tip of the penis).

Don’t use CHG wipes

  • On the days your child is receiving the medicine thiotepa. Wait for 24 hours after the end of the last dose.
  • On the days your child is receiving radiation.
  • On infants younger than 2 months old or premature infants until they are 2 months past their original due date (corrected age of 2 months).
  • If there is a known allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate.
  • If your child has severe skin breakdown, graft versus host disease (GVHD), open wounds, or a rash or burn.

How to give your child a CHG treatment

  • Before you begin, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Open the package of wipes. The nurse will give you enough wipes for the size of your child. Follow the steps based on how many wipes you have.
  • Apply the wipes in a circle or back and forth motion over the surface of the skin, completely wetting the skin. 
  • Do not rinse or wipe off the skin after using the CHG wipes. Let the skin air dry.
  • Do not use towels to dry the skin. The skin will dry quickly, but you can loosely wrap your child in a warm blanket or towel until the skin is dry.

Safety reminders for CHG treatments

  • If your child has a central line, be sure to clean the neck area completely. Germs can build up easily here.
  • Use CHG wipes on your child’s skin from the neck down. Do not use on the face. Use mild soap or shampoo on the face and head.
  • Do not use on the anus or genital area (tip of penis or vagina). Follow your care team’s instructions on how to clean the genital and anal area.
  • If your child has a urinary catheter, a nurse or patient care team member will perform catheter care.
  • Do not rinse or wipe off the skin after using the CHG wipes. Let the skin air dry. Check that skin folds do not stay wet.
  • Tell your nurse if you see skin changes, rashes, or irritation before or after the CHG treatment.

Use the number of CHG wipes based on your child’s weight

  1. Less than 20 pounds

    CHG daily baths, use 2 wipes for children under 20 pounds

    If your child weighs less than 20 pounds, use 2 wipes. 

    • Wipe 1: chest, neck, both arms, and back
    • Wipe 2: both legs, buttocks, and the diaper area 

  2. 20-60 pounds

    For children from 20 to 60 pounds, use 4 CHG wipes

    If your child weighs 20–60 pounds, use 4 wipes.

    • Wipe 1: back, chest, and neck.
    • Wipe 2: both arms.
    • Wipe 3: both legs.
    • Wipe 4: buttocks and diaper area.

  3. More than 60 pounds

    For children weighing more than 60 pounds, use six CHG wipes

    If your child weighs more than 60 pounds, use 6 wipes.

    • Wipe 1: chest, shoulders, and neck.
    • Wipe 2: armpits, arms, and hands.
    • Wipe 3: belly area, lower belly, and diaper area.
    • Wipe 4: right leg and foot.
    • Wipe 5: left leg and foot.
    • Wipe 6: back and buttocks.

Tips for using CHG wipes

  • Use CHG wipes every day as instructed.
  • The wipes can be warmed in a special warmer.
  • The skin might feel sticky for 1 to 2 minutes after using CHG wipes. This is caused by a moisturizer in the wipes that helps keep the skin from drying out.
  • Do not rinse the skin after using the CHG wipes. The CHG needs to stay on the skin to keep killing germs.
  • Ask the nurse before using lotions, creams, moisturizers, or deodorant. Some products will inactivate the CHG.
  • If your child takes a bath or shower, wait 1 hour before using the CHG wipes.
  • Discard the wipes in the trash after use. Do not flush in the toilet.
  • Do not place wipes directly on fabric surfaces. They can stain clothes, bed linens, and towels.

If you have questions or concerns about giving your child a CHG treatment, talk to your child's care team. 

Key points about CHG wipes

  • CHG wipes are disposable cloths that contain chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) to kill germs on the skin.
  • Your doctor may prescribe daily treatment with CHG wipes to help prevent infection.
  • Use the number of CHG wipes based on your child’s weight.
  • Do not rinse or wipe off the skin after using the CHG wipes. Let the skin air dry.

—
Reviewed: March 2023

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