CHG Wipes for Children With Central Lines

CHG (2% chlorhexidine gluconate) wipes are antiseptic (germ-killing) cloths used to clean the skin. The skin is a constant source of germs.

CHG kills 99% of the germs on the skin to help to prevent germs from getting into the bloodstream and causing serious infection.

During your stay in the hospital, you will use these wipes every day to clean your child if they have a central line or port.

Some people have skin discomfort or stickiness after using CHG wipes.

CHG wipes should be used after your child’s bath or shower, after the skin is dry and cool. Allowing enough time for the skin to dry and cool is important because it is less likely to get irritated. There are no specific recommendations for how long to wait.

Lotion and creams can also help soothe the skin and lessen these problems. If you use lotion or cream, make sure it is OK to use with CHG wipes. Some lotions can affect the cleaning action of CHG.

See our handout “CHG Safe Lotions and Creams” seattlechildrens.org/pdf/PE3755.pdf.

Do not use these wipes if your child:

• Is less than 1 month of age
• Is a premature infant, until they reach 1 month after their original due date (44 weeks post-menstrual age)
• Has an allergy to CHG
• Has severe skin breakdown, rash or burns
• Is receiving radiation therapy
• Is receiving Thiotepa (chemotherapy drug)

If your child is receiving care for cancer, a blood disorder or bone marrow transplant and is not in the intensive care unit (ICU), they may want to take a daily bath or shower and not use CHG wipes. We recommend bathing and using CHG wipes for the best protection against infection but understand this may be difficult in some cases. Please discuss questions or concerns with your care team.

Bathe your child as instructed by your care team, being careful to protect their central line from getting wet. Allow your child’s skin to dry and cool before using CHG wipes. Use the CHG wipes following the steps below.

CHG wipes can also be used instead of bath wipes if your child cannot take a bath or shower.

1. Wash your hands with warm soapy water or use hand sanitizer.
2. Get your CHG wipe packets as needed based on your child’s size (see below).
3. Wipe the cloths using a circular or back and forth motion over the surface to be cleaned.
4. Avoid the head, face, between the labia, the tip of the penis, and the entire area you would wipe after peeing and pooping.
5. Do not rinse or wipe off the skin after using the CHG wipes.
6. Let the skin air dry, especially between skin folds and around your child’s neck. Wet CHG between skin folds can cause irritation.
7. You may find it helpful to loosely wrap your child in a warm blanket until the skin is dry.
8. If your child put their hands in their mouth (like thumb-sucking or biting their nails), rinse their hands with water.

If your child is small (weighs under 22 pounds) use 1 package (2 wipes):

Wipe 1: chest, neck, both arms and back

Wipe 2: for both legs, and buttocks – always wipe this area last. Avoid between the labia, the tip of the penis, and the entire area you would wipe after peeing and pooping.

If your child is medium sized (weighs between 22 and 66 pounds), use 2 packages (4 wipes):

Wipe 1: back, chest, and neck
Wipe 2: both arms
Wipe 3: both legs
Wipe 4: buttocks – always wipe this area last. Avoid between the labia, the tip of the penis, and the entire area you would wipe after peeing and pooping.

If your child is larger (weighs over 66 pounds), use 3 packages (6 wipes):

Wipe 1: chest and neck
Wipe 2: right leg,
Wipe 3: left leg
Wipe 4: back
Wipe 5: both arms
Wipe 6: buttocks – always wipe this area last. Avoid between the labia, the tip of the penis, and the entire area you would wipe after peeing and pooping.