Chlorhexidine is a widely used antiseptic, meaning it helps prevent infection. It is effective against bacteria, which is why it’s used so often in hospitals. But, does chlorhexidine kill fungus, too?
The answer is yes, chlorhexidine can kill fungus. That’s why you’ll find it not only in hospitals but also in consumer products like mouthwash and skin cleansers.
Let’s take a closer look at how chlorhexidine works and how effective it is at treating fungal infections.
What is chlorhexidine?
Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum biocide. That means it’s a substance that can destroy living organisms, particularly harmful ones.
The way chlorhexidine works is that it disrupts the cell membranes of those organisms, leading to their death.
Chlorhexidine is in a lot of products you can buy at the store, like mouthwash, toothpaste, and skin cleansers. You’ll also find it in healthcare settings, where professionals use it to prepare a patient’s skin before surgery, as a hand-hygiene soap, or to help with vascular access.
Chlorhexidine’s Antimicrobial Spectrum: Bacteria and Fungi
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that acts fast to kill bacteria and fungi.
Activity against bacteria
Chlorhexidine is a fast-acting killer of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and it can kill nearly 100% of bacteria within 30 seconds.
Activity against fungi
Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, meaning it works against bacteria and fungi, including common skin fungi.
While chlorhexidine is generally effective, there may be some fungal species that don’t respond as well to it.
Comparison to other antifungals
Dedicated antifungal medications like Terbinafine and Ciclopirox are usually more potent than chlorhexidine, but chlorhexidine has a broader spectrum. It can act as both an antibacterial and an antifungal, which is one of the reasons why it’s such a useful antiseptic.
Chlorhexidine and Biofilms
Before we dive in, let’s talk about biofilms. Biofilms are just groups of microorganisms that stick to surfaces. Think of them as little cities of bacteria or fungi.
So, how does chlorhexidine help? Well, chlorhexidine helps stop these biofilms from forming in the first place. Chlorhexidine messes with their ability to stick together and create these communities.
That’s important because biofilms can be a breeding ground for infections, especially on medical devices. By preventing biofilms from forming, chlorhexidine can help lower the risk of fungal infections, which is a big win.
How to use chlorhexidine for fungal control
Chlorhexidine can be used in different ways to prevent or treat fungal issues, but for foot-specific problems, understanding the right bleach foot soak ratio to fight foot fungus is crucial.
On your skin
Chlorhexidine washes and creams are available to treat fungal infections of the skin. Your healthcare provider may also suggest using chlorhexidine to prevent fungal infections from developing in wounds.
In your mouth
Chlorhexidine mouthwash can help to prevent oral thrush, also known as candidiasis, a fungal infection of the mouth.
In medical devices
Chlorhexidine is sometimes added to medical devices, such as dental implants and catheters, to prevent fungus from growing on them.
Safety and Resistance Considerations
Chlorhexidine is generally safe, but some people may experience skin irritation. If you notice any redness or irritation after using chlorhexidine, let your doctor know.
A nice thing about chlorhexidine is that bacteria and fungi aren’t likely to develop a resistance to it, which is a growing problem with antibiotics. But to get the most out of chlorhexidine and minimize any side effects, it’s important to use it correctly. If you have any questions about how to use it, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Listerine good for fungal infection?
Listerine contains ingredients with mild antifungal properties, but it’s not typically a primary treatment for fungal infections. It might help reduce the presence of fungus in the mouth, but for more serious infections, prescription antifungals are usually necessary.
Will chlorhexidine kill toenail fungus?
Chlorhexidine is primarily an antibacterial agent and isn’t generally effective against toenail fungus, which may require specific treatments like Econazole Nitrate Cream. Toenail fungus requires specific antifungal medications, either topical or oral, prescribed by a doctor.
Is chlorhexidine mouthwash an antifungal?
While chlorhexidine mouthwash is a powerful antiseptic that kills bacteria, it is not considered a broad-spectrum antifungal. It may have some limited antifungal activity, but it’s primarily used to control bacterial infections in the mouth.
Are chlorhexidine wipes antifungal?
Chlorhexidine wipes are designed to kill bacteria on the skin, not fungi. Therefore, they are not typically used as an antifungal treatment. Using them for a fungal infection is unlikely to be effective.
What bacteria are resistant to chlorhexidine?
While chlorhexidine is effective against a wide range of bacteria, some strains have developed resistance. These include certain strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and some gram-negative bacteria. Overuse or improper use of chlorhexidine can contribute to the development of resistant strains.
Closing Thoughts
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that’s effective against both bacteria and fungus. It’s used in many different ways, from skin cleansers to mouthwashes.
When using chlorhexidine, be sure to follow the directions. If you notice any redness or skin irritation, let your doctor know.