Which solution was removed as a safe skin prep agent due to absorption through damaged skin and CNS damage in infants?

Which solution was removed as a safe skin prep agent due to absorption through damaged skin and CNS damage in infants?

• A. Hexachlorophene
• B. Iodophors
• C. Alcohols
• D. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)

Answer: (A)

The key idea is safety of skin prep agents and how vulnerable infant skin changes risk. Hexachlorophene, once used as a strong antiseptic, can be absorbed through damaged skin. In infants, especially neonates with immature skin barriers and a high surface-area-to-body-weight ratio, this absorption can reach levels that affect the brain, causing central nervous system toxicity and potential brain injury. Because these serious risks outweighed the benefits, hexachlorophene was pulled from consumer products and restricted for medical use, leading to its removal from routine skin preparation. Other common prep agents—iodophors, alcohols, and chlorhexidine gluconate—remain in use because they have safer profiles when used correctly, with less danger of CNS toxicity from dermal absorption.

The key idea is safety of skin prep agents and how vulnerable infant skin changes risk. Hexachlorophene, once used as a strong antiseptic, can be absorbed through damaged skin. In infants, especially neonates with immature skin barriers and a high surface-area-to-body-weight ratio, this absorption can reach levels that affect the brain, causing central nervous system toxicity and potential brain injury. Because these serious risks outweighed the benefits, hexachlorophene was pulled from consumer products and restricted for medical use, leading to its removal from routine skin preparation. Other common prep agents—iodophors, alcohols, and chlorhexidine gluconate—remain in use because they have safer profiles when used correctly, with less danger of CNS toxicity from dermal absorption.