Antiseptics

Antiseptics are a part of our everyday lives. Most of us have some form of an antiseptic in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom or in a first aid kit to treat minor cuts and wounds we may get during work or play. But, what is an antiseptic? Well, the definition of antiseptic is given as this by one site specifically about antiseptics and by the Food and Drug Administration is this, and I quote: “…An antiseptic is a substance that prevents or arrests the growth or action of microorganisms either by inhibiting their activity or by destroying them. The term is used especially for preparations applied topically to living tissue. The legal definition (Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 1938) states: The representation of a drug in its labeling as an antiseptic shall be considered to be a representation that it is a germicide, except in the case of a drug purporting to be, or represented as, an antiseptic for inhibitory use as a wet dressing, ointment, dusting powder, or other such use as involves prolonged contact with the body…” end quote. So, an antiseptic is something used to kill germs and bacteria that might cause a serious infection in a cut or scratch, or even an insect bite or wound and that is how they work.

There are several types of antiseptics available on the market today; amny of which can be bought at your local grocery, department, or drug stores. Alcohols have been used for centuries for their antiseptic qualities. Alcohols and this includes the consumable types such as whiskey and rum, have had a long and varied use as antiseptics. They all have a bactericidal action against vegetative cells. They are rather inexpensive, easily obtainable, and relatively nontoxic with topical application. Alcohols have a cleansing action, evaporate quickly, and usually have no color.


Rough mixtures of chemicals called cresols made soluble by soap were originally introduced as the brand name "Lysol" and are still used as disinfectants. They need to be applied at high concentrations, but are irritating to mucous membranes and can be toxic, but they do effectively kill bacteria, fungi, and some of the particularly nasty viruses. These compounds are less active than cationic antiseptics against Staphylcocci and Pseudomonas. Hexachlorophene is a different kind of phenolic antiseptic that acts slowly, but binds strongly to the skin. It used to be commonly used in surgical soaps and antiperspirants, but it was found that absorption through the skin can cause damage to the nervous system, especially in babies, and the use of hexachlorophene is now very restricted.

There are several other types of antiseptics in use, and there are even some natural ones that are very effective. Common household vinegar is one of the best natural antiseptics available. There is also dettol, iodine, and others that come in the form of swabs, and liquids, powders, etc. to be used in ears, on skin, and other various tissues.