Before surgery · Hygiene
The Pre-Surgery Antiseptic Shower
Many operations come with instructions to shower with a special antiseptic wash the night before and the morning of surgery. It's a small, simple step that genuinely lowers your risk of a wound infection — here's how to do it right.
The short answer
Why it matters
Everyone's skin carries bacteria, usually harmlessly. But during surgery the skin is opened, and those same bacteria can get into the wound and cause a surgical site infection — one of the more common complications after an operation. An antiseptic wash, most often chlorhexidine, knocks back the bacteria on your skin in the hours before surgery, giving them far less chance to cause trouble.
How to do the antiseptic wash
Follow your hospital's specific instructions, but the usual method is:
- Have a normal shower or bath first, and wash your hair if you wish.
- Wet your skin, then apply the antiseptic wash or sponge — from the neck down — paying attention to the area being operated on, plus skin folds, armpits and groin.
- Don't scrub hard enough to break the skin. Avoid getting chlorhexidine in your eyes, ears or on the genitals unless specifically told to.
- Leave it on for the time the product says, then rinse (or leave on, if instructed) and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Repeat on the morning of surgery if your instructions say so.
Don't shave the surgical site
After your shower
- Put on clean clothes, and sleep in fresh bedding the night before if you can.
- Skip lotions, creams, makeup, deodorant, perfume and talcum powder afterward.
- Remove nail polish and false nails if your team has asked — it helps the oxygen monitor read your finger.
- Take off jewellery and piercings as instructed.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a special antiseptic shower before surgery?
Your skin naturally carries bacteria. An antiseptic wash — usually chlorhexidine — reduces those bacteria right before surgery, which lowers the chance they get into your wound and cause a surgical site infection. It's one of the simplest things you can do to help your recovery.
Can I just use my normal soap?
Use whatever your hospital provides or recommends. If they've given you a chlorhexidine wash or sponges, use those — ordinary soap doesn't reduce skin bacteria nearly as well. Follow the exact instructions on the product and from your team.
Should I shave the surgical area first?
No — don't shave it yourself. Shaving causes tiny nicks in the skin that bacteria thrive in and actually raises infection risk. If hair needs removing, the surgical team will clip it safely just before the operation.
Can I put on lotion, makeup or deodorant after washing?
No. After your antiseptic shower, skip lotions, creams, makeup, deodorant, perfume and powder — they can leave a film on the skin and undo the wash. Put on clean clothes and, where possible, sleep in fresh bedding.