Antiseptics in the form of lotions, creams, ointment are medicines that slow
or stop the growth of germs and help prevent infections in cuts, scrapes,
and burns. Antiseptics kill or stop the growth of microorganisms on the
outer part of the body. They are different from drugs like antibiotics that
destroy microorganisms internally. They are different from disinfectants,
which destroy microorganisms found on nonliving objects. They are applied
externally to treat skin infections, to prevent bacterial growth, and to
disinfect wounds.
Antiseptics Purpose
Antiseptics are applied to the skin to keep
bacteria from getting into wounds and thereby leading to infection. Although
Antiseptics do not usually kill bacteria, they do weaken them and slow their
growth.
Simply applying an Antiseptic to a wound is not adequate treatment. The
wound should be cleaned first and in most cases it should be covered with a
bandage or other type of dressing to keep it clean and moist while it heals.
However, some Antiseptics, such as Phenol, can damage the skin if the wound
is covered after they are applied. Others, such as Hydrogen Peroxide and
Iodine should be allowed to dry completely before the wound is covered.
Because Antiseptics can irritate the skin and even interfere with the
healing process, they should be used sparingly. Some medical experts advise
people to use antibiotic ointments instead of Antiseptics because they can
actually kill the bacteria that may cause a wound to become infected.
Some common antiseptics
- Alcohol
- Iodine
- hydrogen peroxide
- and boric acid
- Phenol
- Iodine
- Sodium Cholride
- Hexachlorophene
Most of the antiseptic products on the market contain one or more of
these ingredients. These products can be bought without a doctor's
prescription.
Related Article
Common Antiseptics and Their
Usages