Antiseptics, or skin disinfectants, are chemicals for cleaning the skin and wounds. They can kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms.Although antiseptics can be very useful, there are some questions around their safety for topical use, especially in the long term.Keep reading for more information about antiseptics, including the types available, their uses, and current safety concerns.What is an antiseptic? Antiseptics can help prevent the growth of microorganisms on the skin.Antiseptics are chemicals that people apply to the skin. They can reduce the number of microorganisms living on the skin, in wounds, and in mucous membranes.Different types of antiseptic vary in cost, effectiveness, uses, and potential side effects.Healthcare workers often use antiseptics before carrying out medical procedures, such as drawing blood and performing surgery.Antiseptics are also available over the counter for cleaning and treating minor cuts. Some may also be suitable as a substitute for soap.Antiseptics vs. disinfectants, antibacterials, and antibiotics People can use antiseptics to clean areas of broken skin, intact areas of skin, and mucous membranes.Disinfectants, antibacterials, and antibiotics have similar but slightly different purposes. The sections below will outline these differences in more detail.Disinfectants vs. antiseptics People use antiseptics, such as peroxides, to kill microorganisms on the skin and mucous membranes. Whereas antiseptics destroy certain germs on the skin, disinfectants can remove them from objects.Disinfectants and antiseptics are both made from chemicals. In fact, they often share similar active ingredients. However, disinfectants tend to have higher concentrations, which are not suitable for use on the skin or mucous membranes.Antibacterials vs. antiseptics Antibacterials are also chemicals that people can use to clean areas.
There are several types of antiseptics. Some are safe to use at home, whereas others are only suitable for use in clinical or hospital settings.Some common types of antiseptics include:alcohols, such as isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcoholquaternary ammonium compoundchlorhexidine and other diguanides, for use before operationsantibacterial dye, to treat burns and woundsperoxide and permanganate, to disinfect the skin or to use as a mouthwashhalogenated phenol derivative, in soaps and solutionsquinolone derivative, which treats wounds and can be an ingredient in throat lozenges.