Antiseptics

An antiseptic is basically a substance that inhibits the development and growth of microorganisms. In many practical uses, antiseptics are generally thought to be solely topical agents use for skin applications, the mucous membranes and other inanimate objects. However, in its formal definition there are certain agents that can be administered internally such as urinary tract antiseptics.

In general, antiseptics belong to the diverse class of drugs that are applied to the surfaces of the skin mainly for its anti-ineffective effect, which may either be bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal. Its applications include cleansing of wound and skin surfaces after an injury, as preparation for the skin for surgical procedures and injections, for routine disinfections of the oral cavities as part of one’s oral hygiene. Aside from that, antiseptics can also be freely applied to inanimate instruments, including furniture surfaces. Among the common chemicals used in antiseptics are benzalkonium chloride, hexachlorophine, chlorhexidine, iodine and mercury compounds, hydrogen peroxide and of course, alcohol. People use antiseptics to keep bacteria from getting into the wound and prevent infection. Although antiseptics do not really eliminate the presence of bacteria, it is known to effectively slow down their growth and weaken it. However, one should remember that applying alone does not constitute adequate treatment. Wounds and scrapes should be carefully covered using a bandage or any other type of dressing in order to keep in considerably clean as it begins to heal.

The unique thing about this medical product is the fact that its use has preceded man’s understanding to its action. According to the antiseptic history, it was a certain John Pringle who first used the term ‘antiseptic’, which is actually a Greek term for putrefaction. This idea was eventually applied to treatments of wound, but it was only in the 19th century that antiseptics were made available for general use in medicine. The popular form in those days was the chlorinated soda or hypochlorite that was introduced for the treatment of infected wounds, which was soon followed by the tincture of iodine for similar purpose. Such earlier forms were not truly accepted for general use until a publication by Pasteur was released in 1863, which led to the better understanding of infection’s origin as well as the suggested form for prevention.

As it is often evidenced in the course of medical history, the change of a certain practice greatly depended on the persistence and dedication of one man. And in the case of antiseptics, that certain individual is John Lister who chose to apply phenol in conducting surgeries. It was recorded that 2’5% solution was used for the dressing of surgical wounds and twice of that concentration is used in sterilization of the instruments. The effect of Lister’s practices became revolutionary with his own antiseptic treatment opening up the way for more wonderful surgical advances.

Today, there are two specific guidelines that were released in the use of antiseptics on wounds. Povidone Iodine had been approved by the Food And Drug Administration only for short-term treatments of acute and superficial wounds. On the other hand, the US Department of Health and Human Services have strongly discouraged the application of antiseptics in the treatment of some pressure ulcers, and instead encourage the use of normal saline instead.

Since antiseptics take different forms and types, it is best to consult your doctor before any application in order to deftly avoid any untoward effects that may cause more harm than good. Like any other medical product, certain amount of caution should always be used even in the case of antiseptics that have been widely used in most modern households today.