Background: Neonatal mortality is mainly due to infectious processes and prematurity. It has been suggested that whole body washing with chlorhexidine could reduce neonatal mortality associated with infection. No systematic reviews that allow exploring the efficacy of this intervention. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of total body cleansing with chlorhexidine in preventing infections related with health care in high risk neonates hospitalized in intensive care units. Methodology: A systematic review of the literature was performed. The search was performed trough Medline , Embase , Lilacs , Cochrane library databases and registration of clinical trials at the National Institute of Health. We included clinical trials published in the last 15 years until January 30 , 2015. Qualitative variables were estimated by OR or RR with 95% CI. Quantitative variables by mean differences or standardized mean differences with 95% CI . Results: Three studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. No conclusive evidence to recommend the use of total body cleansing with chlorhexidine in infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care was found. Conclusión: There is no evidence to conclude that the total body washing with chlorhexidine to 0. 25% is better compared to other interventions in the prevention of infections associated with health care of high risk neonatal patient hospitalized in neonatal intensive care. It is a safe procedure without significant adverse effects.