Content
Antiseptics are products used in order to reduce, eliminate or inactivate microorganisms present on the skin or surfaces, at the time they are used.
There are different types of antiseptics, those with bactericidal action and narrow spectrum, which only eliminate bacteria and a small percentage of other microorganisms, and those with broad spectrum, which have bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal properties.
What are worth for
Antiseptics are used for the following situations:
- Hand washing, to prevent the spread of diseases;
- Disinfection of mucous membranes to perform medical procedures, such as the insertion of a catheter, for example;
- Cleaning the skin, for preparing for surgery;
- Treatment of infections of the skin, mouth and throat.
Due to their wide application, antiseptics should be chosen according to the purpose of their use and medical recommendation. Some of the broad spectrum antiseptics, which act against viruses, bacteria and fungi, are:
1. Ethyl alcohol
Alcohol is the most effective substance in eliminating bacteria, viruses and fungi, exerting a quick action.
This colorless substance is effective in concentrations above 70%, and can be found in solution or conveyed in gel, for hand, umbilical cord and skin hygiene, for collecting arterial or venous blood, for example.
In addition, alcohol can also be used to clean surfaces, in which case the solution should be chosen.
Does homemade gel alcohol work?
There is a wide variety of recipes on the internet, which teach how to prepare alcohol in homemade gel, easily, however, it is not recommended to do so, since it is not possible to ensure that the concentration of the gel is effective in eliminating all microorganisms . In addition, some of the ingredients that are added in these recipes, may favor their proliferation.
2. Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine is a colorless substance and is available in different concentrations, each having several indications. Although it has a weak action against fungi and viruses, this solution is widely used in cleaning the umbilical cord, disinfecting holidays and cleaning burns.
In some solutions, it may be associated with an alcohol, being more effective in disinfecting the hands and preparing for surgical procedures.
See more about the different ways of using chlorhexidine.
3. povidone-iodine
Povidone iodine, known by the trade name Povidine, is a brown colored solution, indicated for disinfection of intact skin, internal and external urogenital tract, disinfection of hands, bladder catheterization and disinfection of damaged skin, as is the case of wounds, leg ulcers, superficial wounds and burns.
Learn more about povidone-iodine and how to use it correctly.
When not to use
Unless recommended by a physician, antiseptics should not be used on surgical wounds or in washing wounds, in pressure ulcers and in bedridden patients.
Which products should not be used
Some of the products popularly known as antiseptics, which still circulate on the market, but which should not be used are mercurochrome, due to its toxicity and side effects, ether, due to its ineffectiveness as an antiseptic, and eosin, which dries the skin , being indicated for uninfected dermatological lesions.
In addition, hydrogen peroxide, although it is a widely used disinfectant, is also not sufficiently effective in eliminating all microorganisms, and it is necessary to associate it with other antiseptics to be effective.
In addition, gel alcohol prepared at home should also not be used, as there is a risk of not obtaining an adequate concentration for the elimination of microorganisms, in addition to some of the ingredients benefiting its proliferation.