From hand sanitizers to bathroom disinfectants, countless products not just clean but also double as an antiseptic. But what really are these powerhouse chemicals that presumably ward off everything from the common cold to a staph infection? Antiseptics are substances that inhibit the spread of viruses, fungi or bacteria when they are applied to the skin. They also help to prevent infection in minor cuts and scrapes.
Antiseptics are different from antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria when it is in the body whereas antiseptics are typically applied to the skin. They also differ from disinfectants, which kill organisms on non-living objects such as your kitchen counter top.
Many agents can be used as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant. Its function is determined by the concentration amount. For instance, a 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat a wound and added to your cleaning cloth to disinfect your bathroom sink.
The most common antiseptic is alcohol. Iodine, hydrogen peroxide and phenol are also other commonly-used antiseptics. All of these can be purchased without a prescription from your doctor.
Antiseptics are used for washing hands, disinfecting skin before it is operated on, preventing and treating wounds or burns, treating mouth and throat infections and cleansing or treating mucus membranes such as the bladder.
What to Look for
First, be clear about the purpose of why you are using an antiseptic. From your mouthwash to cleaning your bathroom floor, antiseptics are included in thousands of products with the intention of making you or your home cleaner and healthier. Make sure that to follow the directions on the bottle and use it for its intended purpose.
You can find isopropyl rubbing alcohol in solutions of 70 percent. Hydrogen peroxide is usually purchased in bottles containing a three percent solution.
For cautionary measures, antiseptic cleaning wipes, isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are great antiseptics to keep on hand at home in your medicine cabinet.
Common Pitfalls
There is growing concern that our fear of germs and overuse of
antiseptics may create a breeding ground for certain bacteria to become resistant to treatment. Also, many antiseptics can cause an allergic reaction so if you have existing allergies, it is recommended to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using one.
Many hand sanitizers contain alcohol and can lead to skin dryness or irritation. Although many hand sanitizers claim to kill up to 99 percent of germs, a study at Purdue University disputed this claim and instead showed that some sanitizers actually increase the amount of bacteria on the hand. Even the Federal Drug Administration recommends the use of hand sanitizers as an addition to good old soap and water, not as a replacement for it.
Also, the antiseptic phenol can harm skin if after it is applied it is covered up by a bandage or some other kind of protective sheath. Antiseptics should not be used to treat sunburns. It is best to have your doctor treat more serious traumas like deep wounds, extended burns and animal bites.
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