Eucalyptus Oil Enhances Antiseptic Effect of CHG
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a widely used skin antiseptic, however it poorly penetrates the skin, limiting its efficacy against microorganisms residing beneath the surface layers of skin. Karpanen, et al. (2010) sought to improve the delivery of CHG when used as a skin antiseptic. Their research was published in BMC Infectious Diseases.
The researchers applied chlorhexidine to the surface of donor skin and its penetration and retention under different conditions was evaluated. Skin penetration studies were performed on full-thickness donor human skin using a Franz diffusion cell system. Skin was exposed to 2 percent (w/v) CHG in various concentrations of eucalyptus oil (EO) and 70 percent (v/v) isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The concentration of CHG (microgram/mg of skin) was determined to a skin depth of 1500 micrometers by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Karpanen, et al. (2010) report that the 2 percent (w/v) CHG penetration into the lower layers of skin was significantly enhanced in the presence of EO. Ten percent (v/v) EO in combination with 2 percent (w/v) CHG in 70 percent (v/v) IPA significantly increased the amount of CHG which penetrated into the skin within 2 minutes.
The researchers conclude that the delivery of CHG into the epidermis and dermis can be enhanced by combination with EO, which in turn may improve biocide contact with additional microorganisms present in the skin, thereby enhancing antisepsis.
Reference: Karpanen TJ, Conway BR, Worthington T, Hilton AC, Elliott T and Lambert PA. Enhanced chlorhexidine skin penetration with eucalyptus oil. BMC Infectious Diseases 2010, 10:278doi:10.1186/1471-2334-10-278.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
A Controversial Reboot: New Vaccine Panel Faces Scrutiny, Support, and Sharp Divides
June 26th 2025As the newly appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met for the first time under sweeping changes by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the national spotlight turned to the panel’s legitimacy, vaccine guidance, and whether science or ideology would steer public health policy in a polarized era.
