- Reference Number: HEY1657/2026
- Departments: Infection Prevention and Control, Trustwide - Adult
- Last Updated: 31 January 2026
Introduction
This information leaflet has been created to ensure patients are given correct information regarding the administration of Octenisan decolonisation treatment. This leaflet should not replace a discussion between the patient and the health care team. If after reading the leaflet you require further clarity, please discuss with a member of the healthcare team.
What is Octenisan
Octenisan body and wash and Octenisan nasal ointment are topical antiseptic product.
Octenisan Body Wash
Octenisan body wash is a topical antiseptic product designed for skin decolonization. It is typically used to reduce bacterial load on the skin before surgical procedures or other medical interventions, specifically targeting pathogens like MRSA.
Octenisan Nasal gel
Octenisan nasal gel is used for treatment of MRSA in the nasal passages, aiding the reduction of a colonisation of MRSA, reducing the risk of infection.
Why do I need Octenisan
By using the Octenisan products you are reducing the risk of a surgical site infection which will aid a quicker recovery.
Can there be any complications or risks?
The risks of using Octenisan are as follows:
- Skin irritation – users can experience mild skin reactions such as burning, itching, redness or stinging upon application.
- Severe reactions – In rare cases, Octenisan can cause more serious side effects, such as, blistering, skin peeling, swelling or a rash.
- Allergic reactions – Immediate medical attention such be sought if you experience any of the following, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and face or throat.
How do I use Octenisan
Octenisan Body wash (apply daily).
- Shower or bath as normal using usual wash products. Dry using a clean towel.
- Apply Octenisan body wash, undiluted to a wet washcloth. Evenly apply to the entire body, paying particular attention to the armpits, groin, perineum, navel and skin folds. Octenisan requires a contact time of 1 minute.
- Massage into the scalp, comb through hair and leave to dry.
- Rince off, and dry with a clean towel.
Ensure the patient is the only one using the cloth, change bedding the day of starting the wash, use a clean washcloth and towel for each shower, ensuring they are clean.
Octenisan nasal gel
- Firstly, wash and dry your hands. Applying a small amount of the gel to the inside of each nostril – twice daily for 5 days.
- After application, pinch the nostrils gently together to help the spread of the gel.
- Wash your hands after application.
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Infection Control team on Tel 01482 623066.
General Advice and Consent
Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.
Consent to treatment
Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.
The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:
- you must be able to give your consent
- you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
- you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person
Information about you
We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.
We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.
If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.