chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol at a glance
Medicine class
Topical antiseptic with local anaesthetic and emollient actions
Usual role
Minor cuts, grazes, burns, scalds, blisters, bites, stings and minor irritated or rough skin
Administration
For external use on cleaned skin; keep away from the eyes and mouth
What is chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol used for?
This cream is licensed as an antiseptic, local anaesthetic and emollient for minor skin problems.
Minor cuts and grazes
Minor burns, scalds and blisters
Stings and insect bites
Spots and other minor skin conditions
Chapped or rough skin
How does chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol work?
Chlorhexidine disrupts susceptible microorganisms and limits their growth on the skin. Phenol provides additional antiseptic activity and a local anaesthetic effect, while the cream base softens and soothes the skin. Its action is mainly local, with minimal expected systemic effects.
How to take chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol
Use only on the skin. Wash your hands before and after application, clean the affected area with warm water without soap, and apply directly or using a suitable dressing. Rub gently where comfortable; avoid rubbing cuts or particularly tender areas. Keep away from the eyes and mouth and replace the cap firmly.
Check that the tube seal is intact before first use.
For cuts or tender areas, the cream may be placed on lint or gauze rather than rubbed in.
Seek advice if the problem worsens or does not improve.
chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using it and seek urgent help for wheezing, breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, collapse or other signs of anaphylaxis.
- Stop and obtain medical advice for a widespread rash or marked skin reaction.
- Eye exposure can cause serious corneal injury; rinse thoroughly and seek prompt assessment if eye symptoms or visual changes occur.
- Irritation, itching, redness, dermatitis, eczema, rash, hives or blisters can occur; stop using the cream and seek advice if significant or persistent.
chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol in pregnancy
This cream is not contraindicated during pregnancy, but caution is advised. Chlorhexidine products are generally considered acceptable despite limited safety data; discuss use with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist, particularly for extensive or persistent skin problems.
chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol while breastfeeding
This cream is not contraindicated while breastfeeding. Prevent the baby from touching treated skin, wash your hands before handling the baby, and wash cream completely from the breast or nipple before feeding. Discuss concerns with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist.
chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol interactions
Systemic interactions are not expected with topical chlorhexidine, but local incompatibility matters.
Soap and other anionic cleansing agents
These are incompatible with chlorhexidine and may interfere with its local antiseptic action. Clean the treatment area with warm water without soap.
Common questions about chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol used for?
It is used on minor cuts, grazes, burns, scalds, blisters, bites, stings, spots and chapped or rough skin to help prevent secondary infection, ease pain and soothe the skin.
Is chlorhexidine digluconate + phenol an antibiotic?
No. It is a topical antiseptic combination; phenol also has a local anaesthetic effect.
Can it be used on an open cut?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.