Hibiscrub Antibacterial Skin Cleanser

What is Hibiscrub?

Hibiscrub contains the active ingredient of chlorhexidine gluconate 4%, a strong antiseptic that’s widely used for pre- and post-operative skin cleansing and handwashing in hospitals to reduce the risk of infections. It works quickly, killing bacteria including MRSA, yeasts, fungi and viruses within 1 minute, and is effective for up to 6 hours.

While Hibiscrub is a powerful antimicrobial treatment, it isn’t actually tough on the skin: in fact, it’s dermatologically proven to be gentle. Due to this, it’s a great option for preventing skin infections of all kinds, including those that typically lead to great irritation and scratching (such as eczema and dermatitis or the many forms of folliculitis).

What is Hibiscrub used for?

HIbiscrub is a hospital strength antiseptic skin cleanser that is safe for use at home to treat and prevent infections caused by some bacterias, fungi and viruses.

You should only use Hibiscrub to clean external skin, this may be to reduce the chance of developing infections pre or post-surgical procedure. Hibiscrub can also be used as an antimicrobial handwash or to clean skin that may be at risk of infection due to injury or a skin condition.

Hibiscrub for acne

For information on treatment options for acne please see our Acne page.

Hibiscrub can be used to clean the skin on the body and face to prevent and treat infections. Some people do notice an improvement to their acne when using Hibiscrub skin cleanser.

If you are suffering from mild to moderate acne you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist about the best course of treatment for you. Or why not try completing our acne treatment free assessment.

It is important to be aware that when using Hibiscrub on your face you must avoid getting it in your eyes or mouth.

• If you accidentally get this product in your eyes or mouth, rinse with water immediately
• If you feel unwell seek medical advice straight away.

Hibiscrub for folliculitis

Folliculitis is the name given to small pus-filled spots on the skin caused by hair follicles becoming infected. When it doesn’t clear up naturally within a couple of weeks, it’s likely because there are bacteria present, and those bacteria are keeping the skin from healing.

You can use Hibiscrub to treat folliculitis by cleansing the affected skin of the harmful bacteria responsible. Because Hibiscrub is gentle on the skin despite its powerful antibacterial properties, you can use it frequently until the folliculitis has cleared up. For safety, apply it with washed hands or a clean washcloth.

If you suffer a folliculitis outbreak, give it a chance to clear up naturally within 7-10 days. If that doesn’t happen, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about finding a suitable treatment.

How does Hibiscrub work?

Hibiscrub contains the active ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate 4% which is not absorbed by the skin but forms a secondary layer. Hibiscrub binds to bacterias on the skin and destroys them within 1 minute. Hibiscrub continues to work for up to 6 hours.

Does Hibiscrub kill bacteria?

Hibiscrub is not absorbed by the skin but forms a protective film over it. The active ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate binds to bacteria and kills them, reducing your risk of developing an infection.

Do you have to wash off Hibiscrub?

Hibiscrub skin cleanser needs to be applied to wet skin and rubbed over the skin thoroughly for 1 minute and then rinsed. The Hibiscrub will continue to work as an antimicrobial agent for up to 6 hours.

Can Hibiscrub be used on open wounds?

Hibiscrub is designed to clean unbroken skin and to aid the healing of injured skin. It is not recommended to use Hibiscrub on open wounds as this may delay healing and aggravate wounds further.

Hibiscrub alternative

As a hospital strength antimicrobial skin cleanser, Hibiscrub may not be suitable for everyone. Antibacterial hand soaps and hand sanitisers may be suitable for basic handwashing.

For use to reduce infections of the skin caused by injury or skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis you may find using Dermol Shower Emollient a good alternative as this product also contains ingredients that moisturise your skin.

Sources

• https://www.drugs.com/cdi/chlorhexidine-gluconate-topical.html
• https://www.molnlycke.co.uk/products-solutions/hibiscrub/
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/medicinal-forms/chlorhexidine.html#PHP75585
• https://patient.info/skin-conditions/skin-rashes/folliculitis
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2956067/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/
• Hibiscrub Skin Cleanser Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/4b23eef1-d778-419a-be74-f86717f8f7b0.pdf

Hibiscrub instructions for use

For hands and body:

1. Wet hands and/or body
2. Apply Hibiscrub, undiluted to hands and clean for 1 minute. If using on your body, start with your face and work downwards, cleaning each body part for 1 minute.
3. Rinse with clean water and dry.

Hibiscrub is for external use only, avoid contact with the eyes or mouth. Please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Hibiscrub for full directions on how to use this product.

Hibiscrub dilution rate

Hibiscrub does not need to be diluted before use and can be used as a hand sanitizer without water or as a soap substitute.

Hibiscrub ingredients

The active ingredient in Hibiscrub is chlorhexidine gluconate 4%.

Hibiscrub also contains the inactive ingredients isopropyl alcohol and perfume (Herbacol).

Please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly to familiarise yourself with a full list of ingredients.

Hibiscrub side effects

Some people may experience unwanted side effects when using Hibiscrub. For a full list of side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

The most common side effects reported when using Hibiscrub are:

• Itching
• Redness
• Dry skin
• Blistering

The listed side effects may affect the skin in which Hibiscrub has been applied. If you experience these side effects you should stop using this product. If your symptoms do not improve, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

If you have a severe allergic reaction or are worried about any side effects you should seek medical advice straight away.

Hibiscrub warnings

For full details of warnings and precautions associated with using Hibiscrub, read the Patient Information Leaflet.

• Avoid contact with your eyes, ears, mouth, anus or genitals. If Hibiscrub comes into contact with any of these areas, wash immediately with water.
• Common household bleaches containing hypochlorites may cause brown stains to develop on fabrics which have previously been in contact with chlorhexidine.
• Hibiscrub’s antimicrobial properties may be reduced if you use it with other soaps or detergents.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice before using on children under the age of 2 years.
• Hibiscrub contains flammable alcohol. You should avoid smoking and open flames immediately after use.

Hibiscrub & Pregnancy

It is recommended that you speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Hibiscrub if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.