Hexachlorophene preparations and the newborn infant

Abstract

The various incidences of staphylococcal skin disease recorded in 43876 newborn infants nursed in the maternity wing of the Geelong Hospital between January 1959 and June 1979 are given. Of these infants, 39270 underwent routine skin cleansing or care with one or other of three differing hexachlorophens preparations. The benefits and possible risks, if any, Of the topical use of such hexachlorophene preparations as prophylactic aids against staphylococcal cross infection in maternity hospitals are discussed, and compared with the various blood hexachlorophene concentrations which occurred in 1100 infants during their routine skin cleansing or care.