Are high residual chlorhexidine skin concentrations associated with improved clinical outcomes? Lessons from the CLEAR trial

2026/03/26 by Roya Khoja, Tabitha D. Catuna, Gabrielle M. Gussin +5 · 1 voice
Medicine · #Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects #Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus #Infection Control in Healthcare

paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/ice.2026.10424

openalex publication_date 2026/03/26 · openalex created_date 2026/03/27 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

Residual chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin concentrations are thought to improve disease prevention. In the Changing Lives by Eradicating Antibiotic Resistance (CLEAR) trial, posthospitalization decolonization of MRSA carriers reduced MRSA infection and all-cause infection, but higher residual CHG concentrations did not improve outcomes. CHG concentration may indicate bathing quality, but high residual concentrations may not be necessary for benefit.

Discussions

• NEW in ICHE: Are high residual chlorhexidine skin concentrations associated with improved clinical outcomes? ➡️ Authors used CLEAR trial and found no association among residual CHG skin concentrati [bsky, 0 points, 0 comments]

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