Antiseptics

An antiseptic is defined as an antimicrobial substance that is applied to the skin to help reduce the chance of an infection, sepsis or putrefaction. Antiseptics are not like antibiotics, which actually kill microorganisms, or disinfectants which destroy microorganisms on inanimate surfaces. Antiseptics basically help keep the surface of the skin clean from microorganisms, but cannot kill them.

The antiseptic history can actually be traced back to the late 1800s, and was basically an offshoot of the work of a bacteriologist named Louis Pasteur who was French. Antiseptic products and procedures were developed shortly after his work, and paper, on the germ theory of putrefaction. Since the antiseptic invention there have been far less infections during medical procedures, like surgery, and infection isn't really a leading cause of death like it used to be. Hospital antiseptic soaps and antiseptic ointment make it easier to fight the invasion of bacteria and keep wounds, and incisions made in the skin, much cleaner and bacteria free to help prevent infection.

Many people ask "how do antiseptics work?" The answer to that question is to first look at the bacteria. In order for bacteria to grow there must be a certain food supply, moisture, in most cases oxygen, and a certain minimum temperature. Antiseptics are simply a solution which is made up of different chemicals, depending on the antiseptic, which reduce or eliminate the ability of the bacteria to grow. Alcohol is a chemical used in antiseptics because of it's ability to sterilize surfaces and prevent the growth of bacteria. Vinegar antiseptic is actually a very good product to use if you ever need something at home on the spur of the moment. When used as an antiseptic, it's effectiveness high very high because it's both an antiseptic and an antibiotic, it kills germs on contact.

There are several different antiseptics available that are produces by many different companies out there. Some of the various products you will see are antiseptic iodine, which is commonly used in hospitals around the area of a wound. Swab plus antiseptic swabs are another product out there that have antiseptic already on the packages swabs for easy application. Dettol antiseptic is another common product and ear antiseptic is often used by a lot of women with peirced ears. For the treating of cuts and wounds, it's always smart to use and antiseptic to help eliminate the possibily of getting an infection.