Acriflex Cream 0.25% – 30g
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Overview
Acriflex Cream is a 30g licensed antiseptic treatment cream containing chlorhexidine gluconate 0.25% w/w — one of the most widely used and clinically validated antiseptic agents in healthcare, with a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria and a well-established safety profile for topical use on skin. It is specifically indicated for the treatment of minor burns, scalds, and minor wounds, providing antiseptic protection against bacterial infection during the vulnerable early stages of skin healing.
Chlorhexidine gluconate has been the antiseptic of choice in NHS clinical practice for wound management and infection prevention for decades, valued for its rapid and sustained bactericidal action, its effectiveness against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and its relatively low toxicity to healing skin tissue compared to older antiseptics such as iodine or hydrogen peroxide. In the cream vehicle, it is delivered to the wound site in a format that simultaneously provides a degree of moisture and occlusion — both of which support the wound healing process — whilst maintaining the antiseptic protection needed to prevent the bacterial colonisation that significantly delays healing and risks infection.
The 30g tube is a practical first aid cabinet size — sufficient for a series of minor injury applications and appropriate to keep alongside other first aid essentials at home or in the workplace. For anything beyond a minor burn, scald, or wound, medical assessment is essential — our pharmacy team at Pearl Chemist Group can advise on when a minor injury requires clinical attention and which products are most appropriate for self-treatment within our first aid range.
What It Does
- Provides antiseptic protection against bacterial infection in minor burns, scalds, and minor wounds through the bactericidal action of chlorhexidine gluconate 0.25%
- Kills a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at the wound site, reducing the risk of infection that can significantly delay healing and worsen outcomes
- The cream vehicle provides a degree of moisture and occlusion at the wound site, supporting the moist wound healing environment that modern wound care evidence consistently recommends for optimal healing outcomes
- Provides a physical protective layer over the wound surface during the vulnerable early healing stages
- Chlorhexidine's sustained residual antiseptic activity on the skin means protection continues for several hours after each application
How to Use Acriflex Cream 0.25%
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. For anything beyond a minor injury, seek medical attention. The following guidance applies to minor burns, scalds, and wounds only — please read the important advisory notes below.
Initial first aid — before applying this cream:
- For burns and scalds: Cool the affected area under cool (not cold) running water for a minimum of 20 minutes immediately after the injury. Do not use ice, iced water, butter, or any other substance on a burn. Cooling must happen before any cream is applied.
- For minor wounds: Clean the wound under running water to remove any visible debris before applying antiseptic cream.
Applying the cream:
- Apply a thin layer of Acriflex Cream to the affected area using clean fingertips or a clean gauze swab.
- Cover with a sterile, non-adherent dressing where appropriate.
- Reapply as needed with each dressing change, typically once or twice daily, or as directed in the product leaflet.
When to seek medical attention instead of self-treating: Do not use this product on large burns (larger than the palm of the hand), deep burns, burns involving the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints, burns in children, burns caused by chemicals or electricity, or any wound showing signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain). In these situations, seek immediate medical assessment — call 999 for large or serious burns, or attend A&E or an urgent care centre.
Who Is Acriflex Cream 0.25% Suitable For?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Indication | Minor burns, scalds, and minor wounds in adults and children. For minor injuries only — see the When to Seek Medical Attention advisory in How to Use. |
| Age | Adults and children. For use on young infants, seek pharmacist or GP guidance before use. |
| Not Suitable For | Large or deep burns. Burns or wounds involving the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints. Wounds showing signs of infection. Chemical or electrical burns. Anyone with known hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine — a recognised allergen, particularly in the healthcare setting. Do not use near the eyes, ears, or in body cavities. |
| Chlorhexidine Allergy | Chlorhexidine is a recognised cause of allergic reactions, including rare cases of anaphylaxis, particularly in individuals with prior healthcare exposure. Those with a known or suspected chlorhexidine allergy should not use this product and should seek alternative antiseptic options. Consult our pharmacy team for guidance. |
| Seek Medical Attention | Any burn or wound that does not meet the definition of minor (small, superficial, away from critical areas) should receive medical assessment rather than self-treatment. |
Good to Know
- Cool Burns Under Running Water First: Before applying any cream to a burn or scald, the affected area must be cooled under cool running water for a minimum of 20 minutes. This is the single most important initial treatment for any burn — do not skip this step or abbreviate it. Applying cream to an uncooled burn is not appropriate and will not substitute for adequate cooling.
- Chlorhexidine Allergy Risk: Chlorhexidine gluconate is a recognised cause of allergic contact reactions and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Those with a history of reactions to chlorhexidine-containing products — which include many surgical scrubs, dental products, and catheter lubricants — should seek an alternative antiseptic. Inform our pharmacy team if you have any history of chlorhexidine sensitivity.
- Do Not Use Near Eyes or Ears: Chlorhexidine can cause serious damage to the eyes and is ototoxic (toxic to the inner ear) if introduced into the ear canal. Keep well away from the eyes and ears at all times.
- When to Seek Medical Attention: This product is for minor injuries only. Large burns, deep wounds, injuries in children, signs of infection, and burns to critical areas all require immediate medical assessment. Do not attempt to self-treat serious injuries with this or any other over-the-counter product.
- GSL / P Classification: Please confirm current classification from packaging before publishing.
- Free-From Status: NOT FOUND — please supply manually.
- Vegan / Cruelty-Free: NOT FOUND — please supply manually.
- For External Use Only: Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.
Overview
Acriflex Cream is a 30g licensed antiseptic treatment cream containing chlorhexidine gluconate 0.25% w/w — one of the most widely used and clinically validated antiseptic agents in healthcare, with a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria and a well-established safety profile for topical use on skin. It is specifically indicated for the treatment of minor burns, scalds, and minor wounds, providing antiseptic protection against bacterial infection during the vulnerable early stages of skin healing.
Chlorhexidine gluconate has been the antiseptic of choice in NHS clinical practice for wound management and infection prevention for decades, valued for its rapid and sustained bactericidal action, its effectiveness against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and its relatively low toxicity to healing skin tissue compared to older antiseptics such as iodine or hydrogen peroxide. In the cream vehicle, it is delivered to the wound site in a format that simultaneously provides a degree of moisture and occlusion — both of which support the wound healing process — whilst maintaining the antiseptic protection needed to prevent the bacterial colonisation that significantly delays healing and risks infection.
The 30g tube is a practical first aid cabinet size — sufficient for a series of minor injury applications and appropriate to keep alongside other first aid essentials at home or in the workplace. For anything beyond a minor burn, scald, or wound, medical assessment is essential — our pharmacy team at Pearl Chemist Group can advise on when a minor injury requires clinical attention and which products are most appropriate for self-treatment within our first aid range.
What It Does
- Provides antiseptic protection against bacterial infection in minor burns, scalds, and minor wounds through the bactericidal action of chlorhexidine gluconate 0.25%
- Kills a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at the wound site, reducing the risk of infection that can significantly delay healing and worsen outcomes
- The cream vehicle provides a degree of moisture and occlusion at the wound site, supporting the moist wound healing environment that modern wound care evidence consistently recommends for optimal healing outcomes
- Provides a physical protective layer over the wound surface during the vulnerable early healing stages
- Chlorhexidine's sustained residual antiseptic activity on the skin means protection continues for several hours after each application
How to Use Acriflex Cream 0.25%
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. For anything beyond a minor injury, seek medical attention. The following guidance applies to minor burns, scalds, and wounds only — please read the important advisory notes below.
Initial first aid — before applying this cream:
- For burns and scalds: Cool the affected area under cool (not cold) running water for a minimum of 20 minutes immediately after the injury. Do not use ice, iced water, butter, or any other substance on a burn. Cooling must happen before any cream is applied.
- For minor wounds: Clean the wound under running water to remove any visible debris before applying antiseptic cream.
Applying the cream:
- Apply a thin layer of Acriflex Cream to the affected area using clean fingertips or a clean gauze swab.
- Cover with a sterile, non-adherent dressing where appropriate.
- Reapply as needed with each dressing change, typically once or twice daily, or as directed in the product leaflet.
When to seek medical attention instead of self-treating: Do not use this product on large burns (larger than the palm of the hand), deep burns, burns involving the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints, burns in children, burns caused by chemicals or electricity, or any wound showing signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain). In these situations, seek immediate medical assessment — call 999 for large or serious burns, or attend A&E or an urgent care centre.
Who Is Acriflex Cream 0.25% Suitable For?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Indication | Minor burns, scalds, and minor wounds in adults and children. For minor injuries only — see the When to Seek Medical Attention advisory in How to Use. |
| Age | Adults and children. For use on young infants, seek pharmacist or GP guidance before use. |
| Not Suitable For | Large or deep burns. Burns or wounds involving the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints. Wounds showing signs of infection. Chemical or electrical burns. Anyone with known hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine — a recognised allergen, particularly in the healthcare setting. Do not use near the eyes, ears, or in body cavities. |
| Chlorhexidine Allergy | Chlorhexidine is a recognised cause of allergic reactions, including rare cases of anaphylaxis, particularly in individuals with prior healthcare exposure. Those with a known or suspected chlorhexidine allergy should not use this product and should seek alternative antiseptic options. Consult our pharmacy team for guidance. |
| Seek Medical Attention | Any burn or wound that does not meet the definition of minor (small, superficial, away from critical areas) should receive medical assessment rather than self-treatment. |
Good to Know
- Cool Burns Under Running Water First: Before applying any cream to a burn or scald, the affected area must be cooled under cool running water for a minimum of 20 minutes. This is the single most important initial treatment for any burn — do not skip this step or abbreviate it. Applying cream to an uncooled burn is not appropriate and will not substitute for adequate cooling.
- Chlorhexidine Allergy Risk: Chlorhexidine gluconate is a recognised cause of allergic contact reactions and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Those with a history of reactions to chlorhexidine-containing products — which include many surgical scrubs, dental products, and catheter lubricants — should seek an alternative antiseptic. Inform our pharmacy team if you have any history of chlorhexidine sensitivity.
- Do Not Use Near Eyes or Ears: Chlorhexidine can cause serious damage to the eyes and is ototoxic (toxic to the inner ear) if introduced into the ear canal. Keep well away from the eyes and ears at all times.
- When to Seek Medical Attention: This product is for minor injuries only. Large burns, deep wounds, injuries in children, signs of infection, and burns to critical areas all require immediate medical assessment. Do not attempt to self-treat serious injuries with this or any other over-the-counter product.
- GSL / P Classification: Please confirm current classification from packaging before publishing.
- Free-From Status: NOT FOUND — please supply manually.
- Vegan / Cruelty-Free: NOT FOUND — please supply manually.
- For External Use Only: Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.
FAQs
What is the most important first aid step for a minor burn before using this cream?
Cooling under cool (not cold) running water for a full 20 minutes is the single most important initial treatment for any burn or scald — significantly more important than any cream or dressing. This must happen immediately after the injury, and the full 20 minutes must be completed even if the pain has subsided. Do not use ice, iced water, butter, toothpaste, or any other substance on the burn. Do not apply Acriflex or any other cream until the 20-minute cooling is complete. After cooling, apply the cream and cover with a non-adherent sterile dressing.
How do I know if my burn is minor enough to self-treat?
A burn suitable for self-treatment with a product like Acriflex Cream should be: small (no larger than approximately the palm of the hand); superficial — red and painful but with unbroken or minimally blistered skin rather than white, brown, or blackened tissue; on an unproblematic body area — not the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over major joints; and in an adult or older teenager. If the burn is larger than this, deeper, in a child, on a critical area, caused by a chemical or electricity, or if you are at all uncertain, please seek medical assessment at A&E, an urgent care centre, or by calling 999 for serious injuries. Our pharmacy team can also advise on whether an injury is appropriate for self-treatment.
Can I use this cream on an infected wound?
No. A wound showing signs of infection — increasing redness beyond the wound edge, swelling, warmth, pus or discharge, worsening or spreading pain, or fever — requires medical assessment rather than self-treatment with an antiseptic cream. Infected wounds may need prescription antibiotics (oral or topical) or clinical wound assessment, and attempting to manage them with an over-the-counter antiseptic can delay appropriate treatment. Please see your GP, attend an urgent care centre, or speak with our pharmacy team if you are concerned about wound infection.
Is chlorhexidine safe to use on children?
Acriflex Cream is suitable for use on children for minor injuries, under parental supervision and following the product leaflet guidance. For young infants — particularly newborns — chlorhexidine use requires additional caution and pharmacist or GP guidance, as very young skin absorbs topical agents more readily. For any burn or wound in a child, it is also particularly important to assess whether the injury is genuinely minor — children's skin is thinner and burns can be deeper than they initially appear. If in any doubt about the severity of a burn in a child, seek medical assessment promptly.
I have heard that chlorhexidine can cause allergic reactions. How will I know if I am allergic?
Chlorhexidine allergy is a recognised and clinically important concern — it is the second most common cause of anaphylaxis in the perioperative setting and can cause contact reactions ranging from rash and itching to severe systemic reactions. Those most at risk are individuals with prior significant chlorhexidine exposure, particularly through healthcare procedures. Signs of a local contact reaction include increased redness, itching, or swelling around the application site beyond what the injury itself would cause. Signs of a systemic allergic reaction — which are rare but serious — include hives, throat tightening, difficulty breathing, or dizziness, and require immediate emergency medical attention. If you have ever had a reaction to a chlorhexidine-containing product, do not use Acriflex Cream and speak with our pharmacy team for alternative antiseptic options.
Should I cover the cream with a dressing?
Yes — covering a minor burn or wound with a sterile, non-adherent dressing after applying the cream is recommended for most situations. A dressing protects the wound from further contamination, maintains a moist healing environment, reduces pain by protecting the sensitive wound surface from air exposure, and keeps the cream in contact with the wound. Use a specifically designed non-adherent wound dressing rather than standard fabric plasters directly over a burn, as ordinary plasters can adhere to the wound surface and cause additional injury on removal. Our pharmacy team can advise on appropriate dressings to use alongside this cream.