The importance of Chlorhexidine in disinfection

The chlorhexidine is a chemical compound with very diverse properties depending on its concentration. At low doses, it acts as a bacteriostatic stopping the growth of microorganisms; at high concentrations, it has bactericidal and fungicidal effects. Its mechanism of action allows disinfecting tissues without damaging them, which has led WHO to consider it a basic compound for modern medicine.

In this article, we will explore its applications in the health field and remember the existing contraindications.

Mechanism of action

Chlorhexidine creates a film around the tissue in which it is applied, thus preventing pathogens from adhering to the surfaces of the body. In this way, it prevents their proliferation and, at high doses, is even capable of damaging their cell membrane, completely eradicating them. Its active spectrum is very broad and protects against bacteria, fungi, yeasts and even viruses. Despite this, chlorhexidine has no toxicity to the body and does not pose a health risk if no allergy or hypersensitivity is suffered.

Applications

Chlorhexidine has multiple uses in the health industry due to its versatility and potency of action. Among its most common uses are:

Disinfection of skin and treatment of external wounds

Chlorhexidine is hardly absorbed by the skin, so it is a safe substance for the treatment of superficial wounds and burns. In addition, its low toxicity allows it to be used in a wide range of patients, including pregnant women, breastfeeding women and newborns. In these cases, the concentration of chlorhexidine usually ranges between 1 and 5%, depending on the medium in which it is dissolved and the purpose for which it is intended.

In the professional field, topical chlorhexidine is essential in preparing the skin before an intervention, whether surgical or non-invasive. This is due, mainly, to its low cost and its broad spectrum, but also to the fact that it is a biocide with a prolonged effect and that it does not lose effectiveness when in contact with fluids such as blood or pus.

In these cases, it can be administered in different ways, depending on the area to be covered or the type of intervention. For punctures or injections, spray-based options are usually more comfortable; for surgical operations, there are preloaded applicators or bottled formats in different sizes.

On the other hand, for hand disinfection, there are containers with a dispenser that facilitate its application. In these cases, many professionals also choose to purchase surgical brushes that allow deep cleaning of the hands, thus contributing to asepsis before the intervention.

Periodontal care and oral antisepsis

Chlorhexidine is especially useful for making mouthwashes intended for the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis and peri-implant disease. It is also used in the postoperative period after a stomatological surgical intervention because it contributes to tissue healing by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Similarly, it is used to accelerate the healing of mouth sores and to alleviate the effects derived from sore throat.

The current market offers several options for administering chlorhexidine orally. There are options with single-dose, an ideal format for dental clinics, although chlorhexidine can also be purchased for oral use in bottles of 100, 250 and 500 ml.

Precautions and contraindications

Although chlorhexidine is a substance of low toxicity, it is important to keep in mind that concentrations, duration of treatment and method of application can vary depending on the patient and the clinical picture. Therefore, it is essential that a health professional supervises each case and recommends the format and mode of use that best suits the patient's needs.

Conclusion

As we have seen throughout this article, chlorhexidine is an essential element in modern medicine for its multiple applications, low cost and non-toxicity. Its uses cover areas as diverse as dental treatment, skin asepsis and infection prevention. However, like any chemical substance it must be administered consciously and always respecting the specifications of each clinical case and patient.

At DH Medical Material, we have an extensive catalog of products that contain chlorhexidine for professional use.Consult us if you are interested in acquiring medical material for your business.