A review of suspected intraoperative antiseptic burns: A quality improvement review

Abstract

The use of antiseptics in theatre is mainstay treatment in reducing cutaneous bioburden and, in turn, preventing surgical site infection and sepsis. Typically, aqueous betadine and chlorhexidine in alcohol are preferred. Aqueous betadine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic with a quick kill rate but is deactivated by organic material on the patient's skin. More effective than aqueous betadine is chlorhexidine gluconate - it is also a broad-spectrum antiseptic but is not deactivated by organic compounds on the patient's skin.