Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
A Novel High-Throughput Ex Vivo Ovine Skin Wound Model for Testing Emerging Antibiotics
Published on: September 16, 2022
Chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine: Which solution is more effective on skin colonization in neonates?
Narges Majidipour1, Zahra Abdeyazdan, Ali Zargham-Boroujeni
1Department of Medical Students Research Committee, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan, Iran.
Insights
Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) solution is more effective than chlorhexidine for skin disinfection in neonates. This finding suggests PVP-I may be preferable for preparing infant skin before invasive procedures to reduce bacterial colonization.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Infection control
- Antiseptic efficacy
Background:
- Hospitalized neonates require robust infection control measures for safety and survival.
- Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is a common antiseptic in Iran, while chlorhexidine is also used for skin disinfection.
- Evidence comparing the superiority of PVP-I and chlorhexidine in neonates is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) solutions in reducing skin bacterial colonization in hospitalized neonates.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for antiseptic use in neonatal care.
Main Methods:
- A clinical trial involving 98 hospitalized infants was conducted.
- Each infant received skin disinfection with both chlorhexidine and PVP-I on contralateral sites.
- Skin cultures were obtained pre- and post-disinfection to quantify bacterial colonization.
Main Results:
- Both antiseptic solutions significantly reduced microorganism colony counts post-disinfection (P < 0.001).
- No significant difference in bacterial colonization was found between the groups before disinfection.
- A significant difference in bacterial reduction was observed post-disinfection, favoring one solution.
Conclusions:
- Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) demonstrated superior efficacy compared to chlorhexidine for skin disinfection in neonates.
- PVP-I is recommended for skin preparation prior to invasive procedures in neonates to minimize bacterial colonization.
Background:
Infection control should be an integrated part of patient care, especially to ensure safety and survival in hospitalized neonates. Although povidone-iodine (PVP-I) solution has been used as the most common antiseptic in hospitals of Iran, chlorhexidine is currently used in some wards for skin disinfection. However, there is no evidence about the superiority of either antiseptic solution over the other one. This clinical trial carried out in two university hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, aimed to compare the effects of chlorhexidine and PVP-I solutions on skin bacterial colonization in hospitalized neonates.
Materials And Methods:
The participants were 98 hospitalized infants. In each infant, one area on the skin was disinfected by chlorhexidine while the contralateral site was disinfected by PVP-I. Skin cultures were taken before and after disinfection. Microorganisms were determined and colony count was performed based on a standard method. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods in SPSS v. 14.
Results:
The mean of microorganism colony count before and after disinfection by either solution was statistically different (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean microorganism colony count before disinfection. However, a significant difference was observed after disinfection.
Conclusions:
PVP-I is more efficacious than chlorhexidine for skin disinfection. Consequently, it seems better to use PVP-I for skin preparation before invasive procedures.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:27Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections