HibiScrub is an antimicrobial cleanser that can protect your skin from bacteria and viruses. It can be used to ease the itching and scratching caused by prurigo nodularis.
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HibiScrub is an antiseptic skin cleanser. It’s used widely in hospitals as a pre and post-surgery disinfectant. It contains 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, a bactericide (a substance that kills bacteria) which works against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
The effects of the cleanser last for around 6 hours. Rather than being fully absorbed, HibiScrub forms a protective barrier on your skin, which softens and hydrates the area it’s applied to. For those with prurigo nodularis, this can mean the urges to scratch your skin rash are reduced. Using HibiScrub can also protect your skin from becoming infected as a result of damage from your nails.
How does HibiScrub work?
Rather than being absorbed by your skin like most moisturisers and cleansers, HibiScrub works by forming a protective film that covers your skin’s outer surface. As well as being an antiseptic that disinfects your skin, this film immediately kills any bacteria where it’s applied.
This protective film helps you to avoid agitating the inflamed bumps caused by prurigo nodularis, which reduces your chance of worsening the condition. Because the itchiness caused by these bumps (nodules) is often intense, itching the affected areas is common, which can prevent your skin from healing properly. Because it’s antibacterial, using HibiScrub can prevent infections from developing, and the barrier effect of the cleanser can reduce the damage caused to your skin from the ‘itch-scratch-itch cycle’ caused by the condition.
What doses of HibiScrub are there?
HibiScrub is available in 250ml or 500ml bottles. It’s a liquid that’s applied to wet skin.
A clinician will advise you on the amount of HibiScrub you need to use each day. Prurigo nodularis can affect people differently, and the size of the rash or the severity of your symptoms can vary from person-to-person, which can affect your dose.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to use HibiScrub
With each application, use around 25 ml of HibiScrub before you have a shower. Lather the liquid onto your skin, paying particular attention to areas where your skin is most inflamed. Rinse with water. This process can be done a second time. Once you’ve completed a second round of application, wash your skin with water and dry gently with a towel.
The effects of HibiScrub should last for around 6 hours.
How long does HibiScrub take to work?
The antimicrobial effects of chlorhexidine gluconate begin to work immediately. There’s no guarantees about how long HibiScrub will take to work for prurigo nodularis. Managing the condition often requires a two-pronged approach of soothing your skin while reducing your urges to scratch.
The effects of the cleanser usually last for around 6 hours. Medications that contain chlorhexidine typically aren’t used for more than 4 weeks, but a clinician will advise you if they think you need to use HibiScrub any longer than this.
What should I do if I make a mistake while using HibiScrub?
If any of the cleanser comes into contact with your mouth or eyes, rinse out with water immediately.
There’s no benefit in using the cleanser any more than has been advised, as doubling the amount you use won’t increase the effects of the medication.
If you accidentally swallow any HibiScrub, seek medical attention immediately.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: HibiScrub
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Will HibiScrub heal my prurigo nodularis?
Answer:
Clearing prurigo nodularis-affected skin can be a challenge, and it might take months or even years before you’re completely symptom free. It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of scratching the rash and slowing down the healing process, because the condition creates such intense itchiness.
Treatments like HibiScrub can limit the damage both the condition and your own scratching can do to your skin. This could help the rash heal faster. Talk to us if you have questions about anything that might help keep your skin protected while you’re managing your prurigo nodularis.
How effective is HibiScrub?
Answer:
Currently, there aren’t many trials testing the efficacy (effectiveness) of HibiScrub for treating prurigo nodularis. It has been used for over 45 years in hospital settings, though, as a means of managing infections.
In a study that compared it to two other antiseptic preparations for hand washing, HibiScrub was the superior of the three for reducing skin flora (microorganisms that live on your skin). Protecting your skin from infections can speed up the time it takes for your prurigo nodularis to heal.
Will HibiScrub cause side effects?
Answer:
You shouldn’t experience any side effects while using HibiScrub.
Rarely, chlorhexidine can cause hypersensitivity, which is an adverse reaction and can sometimes be allergic and cause anaphylactic shock. The chances of this happening are very low, but if you’ve used chlorhexidine before (in any form) and had a reaction like this, it’s best to avoid HibiScrub and look for alternatives.
Do I need a prescription for HibiScrub?
Answer:
Under usual circumstances, HibiScrub can be bought over the counter. But because you’ll be using it to manage a skin condition, we want to make sure it’s a safe treatment for you to use.
We’ll look at the info you’ve provided us thoroughly before deciding if we think HibiScrub is a suitable option for you. For managing prurigo nodularis symptoms, the medicine will need to be prescribed by one of our clinicians.
Why should I buy HibiScrub online with Treated?
Answer:
We understand the impact that skin conditions can have on your physical and mental health. They can upset your daily routines, sleep, and general wellbeing.
Healthcare is a two-way conversation, so we’ll work with you to find medications that can help you get the relief you need. Our clinicians review the information you provide us in your consultation, and make informed decisions about which treatments they think are safe and suitable for you.
Once you’ve chosen something, we’ll deliver it to your door as soon as the next working day. When you’ve started your treatment, you can use our messaging service to ask us questions, and you’ll receive follow-up aftercare so we know how you're getting on.
Use of 4% Chlorhexidine Detergent Solution (Hibiscrub) and Other Methods of Skin Disinfection. BMJ, vol. 1, no. 5852. pp. 510–515. (Accessed 4 Aug. 2023).
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
