Antiseptics

Cleaning and sterilizing minor cuts, burns and scrapes with an effective antiseptic is an important first step in early wound care. Whether you are stocking a home medicine cabinet or building an office first-aid kit, including a variety of quality antimicrobial products is a must.

Antiseptic or Antimicrobial?
Many people are confused by the terms antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. In simple terms, an antimicrobial is any ingredient that inhibits or kills viruses, bacteria or molds. Conversely, an antibacterial is effective only when guarding against the growth of bacteria. An antiseptic is a type of antimicrobial that is produced specifically for safe use on a person's skin and is often employed in wound care. It is important to note that a disinfectant is an antimicrobial household product that is not intended for nor is it safe for use on the skin.

Stop the Spread Early
Even the smallest scrape, the most benign burn or the shallowest cut can lead to potentially dangerous infection if left untouched. Immediate application of an antiseptic topical treatment cleans the surface of the wound and aids in killing or thwarting the growth of germs. Active ingredients like benzalkonium chloride and iodine have proven to be effective antimicrobial cleansing agents.

Sprays, Wipes and Creams
Antimicrobial products suitable for human use are available in a myriad of different forms. Antiseptic sprays are handy for use on burns and scrapes and are available in refill bottles. Single-use wipes or swabs--featuring either benzalkonium chloride or iodine--are well-suited for an office setting and can be purchased in bulk. In addition to wound care, wipes are handy for simple cleansing when hand washing isn’t an option. Single-use burn cream packets provide not only protection against infection but temporary pain relief for minor burns.