Chlorhexidine Digluconate

Chlorhexidine digluconate and chlorhexidine diacetate are used primarily as antibacterial cleansers in the medical setting. They are also used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products.

Patients allergic, or photoallergic, to chlorhexidine digluconate or chlorhexidine diacetate should be instructed to avoid all the chemically-related chlorhexidine-based chemicals listed below by carefully reading the labels of liquid hand cleansers and the other products listed. In addition, such individuals should make all their healthcare workers aware of their allergy since chlorhexidine is frequently used to cleanse the skin and internal sites, during minor and major surgical and dental procedures.

Skin contact with chlorhexidine is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing chlorhexidine should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skincare products for this these ingredients. If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or retailer, or contact the company directly. At work, request a material Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.