Skin and Nasal Decolonisation

Octenisan body wash

• Use the body wash provided once a day for 5 days, it is to be used in place of normal soap / body wash. If preferred, your normal body wash can be used after Octenisan has been applied and removed.
• The skin should be wet first which will reduce the risk of sensitivity reactions.
• For washing, apply Octenisan wash lotion undiluted to a clean, damp washcloth.
• Rub onto the areas of the body to be cleansed, observing the required 1 min contact time then wash off.
• For showering and/or hair washing simply use Octenisan wash lotion in the same way as commercial hair and skin washing preparations.
• Equally, if bathing is undertaken in the bed (bed-bathing) the solution provided should be applied neat onto a disposable washing cloth – not into a bowl of water as this is less effective at removing the Staphylococci.
• Pay particular attention to moist areas of skin such as the perineum, axilla, groin, and any other original positive sites.
• Wash hair twice within the 5 days with the solution provided. If preferred your shampoo and conditioner can be used after Octenisan has been applied and removed.
• Your operation/admission to ROH will be planned or the sixth day. You will receive another course of the skin/nasal decolonisation upon admission.
• Please report skin sensitivity reactions to your GP / Practice Nurse / District Nurse.

Octenisan 5-day antimicrobial wash protocol

Nasal carriage

• Mupirocin (Bactroban) should be applied as described below inside the anterior nares (nostrils) 3 times daily for 5 days.
• Wash hands thoroughly then remove the cap.
• With a finger or a cotton wool bud apply a ‘match head’ size of ointment to the inner side of both nostrils
• Press the nostrils together and gently massage for approximately one minute to distribute the ointment evenly throughout the inside of the nostrils.
• Wash hands and replace the cap back on the tube.

Mupirocin (Bactroban) 5-day nasal ointment application