Antiseptic is a substance that is used in medicine and everyday life to completely destroy pathogenic microflora or delay its reproduction. There are quite a lot of such drugs on the pharmacological market. They are systematized according to various criteria, ranging from the strength of their effect on microorganisms and ending with the area of application. So what are antiseptics, what are their types and areas of application? Are antiseptics in medicine and everyday life the same thing, or is there a significant difference? Let's figure it out.

What are antiseptics?

The word “antiseptic” is Greek in origin and literally means “against rotting.” In medicine, an antiseptic is one of the methods of disinfection, which involves influencing pathogenic microorganisms through various influences: physical, chemical, mechanical or biological. The action of such a substance should lead to the complete destruction or cessation of the development of bacterial, fungal, microbial microflora.

In order for a pathogenic microorganism to develop and multiply, it needs a special environment and conditions. For example, the presence of oxygen and moisture, as well as stable temperature indicators, are important for the bacterial flora.

Antiseptics in medicine are a common name for all disinfecting instruments that give the desired result. They are classified according to different indicators.

Regarding the manner of influence, they are divided into types:

Mechanical, allowing to clean the wounded surface and non-viable tissue. This means washing the surface with purulent formation, cleaning the bottom of the wound, and excision of its edges.
Chemical antiseptic techniques are used to treat wound infections, as well as in for preventive purposes. Such antiseptic solutions are considered harmful to microorganisms.
Biologicals are the largest group of drugs. This includes, for example, vaccinations. Their action also extends to microbial cells, affecting its toxins. This disinfection further increases the body’s protective functions.

IN separate species distinguish the simultaneous use of several drugs as an antiseptic. This group is also quite common. Thus, to treat a wound, doctors use several antiseptic methods - mechanical (external surface treatment) and biological (maintenance antitetanus serum).

Each type implies a huge number of different ones. They are used:

for the treatment or prevention of infectious suppuration;
for disinfection of premises and instruments;
dual use.

Antiseptics are used in medicine depending on what effect they are designed for - internal or external. For external use, drugs are usually used in the forms of ointments, sprays, lotions, rinsing solutions, etc. Antiseptics for oral administration (in most cases, antibiotics) are available in the form of tablets, powders, and sometimes rectal suppositories.

Each antiseptic has instructions for use, which clearly indicate how it should be used. If the package says “For external use”, then this drug should not be swallowed under any circumstances. Even if it is used to rinse the oral mucosa, it should be spat out.

Classification and representatives of antiseptics

At their core, antiseptics and disinfectants, as well as products with a bactericidal effect, are one and the same thing. They are destructive for pathogenic microflora or create conditions for the impossibility of its development and existence.

It has already been said that the systematization of such drugs can be carried out according to various criteria. Let's look at some of the main classes into which antiseptics are divided in medicine, and look at their types in more detail.

According to the direction of action, antiseptics are distinguished:

antiviral;
antibacterial;
antifungal.

From this classification it becomes clear which pathogenic microflora the product affects.

The action of the antiseptic is aimed at living cell. Depending on the mechanism negative influence funds for its structure are classified:

for drugs direct action, in which the antiseptic effect occurs on the destruction of any of the structural components of the cell or on its vital processes;
on means of indirect influence, in which more attention is paid specifically to the immune response human body for infection.

The effectiveness of such funds also depends on many factors:

on what concentration the solution is;
on the duration of the effect of the antiseptic on the affected area;
on how sensitive the pathogenic microflora is to the drug that is used as an antiseptic;
on temperature indicators, as well as the chemical components of the environment in which the processing takes place.

As you can see, there are quite a lot of classifications. All disinfectants may fall under one of these, but medical practice most often used grouping by chemical composition. According to this classification, an antiseptic according to its compound chemical elements may fall into one of the following groups:

halides;
acid;
oxidizing agents;
alcohols;
alkalis;
salt;
resins, tars, petroleum products;
plant substances.

The most well-known antiseptics for the common man are (diamond solution) and methylene blue. This separate group– dyes. Disinfection with them is usually associated with the skin for treating wounds. Let's look at some other groups in more detail.

Halide group

As an antiseptic for this chemical grade Chloramine, iodine solution, Pantocid are used.

Chloramine is a product that contains up to 20% active chlorine. This antiseptic appears as a powder (yellowish in color) with a faint odor of chlorine. A solution is prepared from it, which can be used to wash wounds and apply moistened wipes to them. They also disinfect their hands and medical instruments.
Iodine preparation is obtained from seaweed. These are well-known antiseptics in medicine: and, as well as potassium and sodium iodite, iodinol. The first drugs are used as an effective antimicrobial agent for mucous membranes and wound treatment.
Pantocide are tablets containing 3 mg of active chlorine. They are most often used in diluted form to treat hands and medical instruments, a 0.15% solution is used to treat wounds, and 2 tablets are used to disinfect 0.72 liters of water.

Acids

The list of antiseptics in this group is also very impressive. The most common is easily soluble in alcohol and hot water. In a percentage of up to 5% it is used as an external antiseptic; in a more concentrated form (up to 10%) it can be used in ointments or pastes. Salicylic alcohol is considered a powerful bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agent. It is recommended to be used for wiping if the skin suffers from rashes. There are a large number of powders and pastes containing salicylic acid on sale.

It is also very often used as an antiseptic. You can find it in the form of an additive to Vaseline, in Taimurov’s paste, alcohol solution.

Oxidizing agents

– this is the most bright representative this group. It is found in two preparations: a water-based solution and a concentrated substance. They both have transparent view and a weak specific odor. Its action is based on this chemical effect, in which oxygen gas is produced under the influence of peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is used in the treatment of wounds and mucous membranes.

Hydroperite is an antiseptic in the form of tablets, which contains urea. They dissolve in water. The drug is used for the same purpose as the first mentioned drug from the group of oxidizing agents.

Potassium permanganate or potassium permanganate are dark-colored crystals that dissolve in water. It is used as an antiseptic treatment in douching, gastric lavage in case of poisoning, and for rinsing mucous membranes.

Other groups

Ethanol, propyl and isopropyl alcohol in concentrations from 60 to 90% are classified as alcohols in their chemical composition. Use them as effective antiseptic for skin. It is most often used in medical practice for treating the epithelium before infusion and other interventions.

What belongs to alkali group antiseptics? This is known to everyone ammonia, sodium borate, bicarbamint. The first two drugs use hand treatments in surgery. Bicarbamint, like boric potassium, can be used for rinsing mucous membranes and washing wounds as an antiseptic.

Preparation containing salts heavy metals, can also be used for disinfection. The antiseptic of this group is dangerous enough to be used to treat a wound or skin. When working with it, you should follow the rules of caution. Most often, it is used to disinfect linen, room walls, etc.

mercury dichlorite;
mercury monochloride;
copper sulfate;
zinc oxide, etc.

Many have heard that ointments and creams are made from tar and petroleum products, which act as disinfectants. Such drugs include: ASD, naphthalene ointment, Sulsena, etc.

Use of antiseptic substances outside medical walls

The concept of “antiseptic” covers not only the medical part of this issue. The disinfection and antiseptic effect of certain substances is also used in various industrial sectors.

IN food industry They are often used in the form of preservatives, which help the product stay fresh longer and not spoil. Everyone knows acetic acid, which is the main antiseptic in canning. It is also included in the list of antiseptics.

Disinfectants are actively used in construction industry. They are found in fairly large quantities in varnishes and paints. Their action is aimed at destroying saprophytic bacteria. There is also a wood antiseptic, which shows a powerful fight against mold, rot and other processes, increasing the service life of wood.

Housewives also use disinfectants in everyday life. Antiseptic solutions may be in detergents for washing bathroom accessories, dishes, floors, etc. If you bought a household cleaning product labeled “has a bactericidal effect,” this means that it contains some kind of antiseptic. The skin of your hands must be protected when working with such products. Some of them require mandatory ventilation of the room or careful removal after use. All precautions are indicated on the packages and must be followed.

Some popular antiseptics in medicine can also be used in everyday life. For example, well-known solutions for hand treatment. They are used as emergency hygiene - as a way to stop the transmission of pathogenic microflora in society.

Also, everyone in the house has iodine or brilliant green, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, which we use as antiseptics in case of a slight injury to the skin.

Antiseptics are also used as a means of preventing the transmission of genital diseases. Taking them significantly reduces or minimizes infection.

In addition to the main active substance, which has a local antibacterial effect, throat antiseptics include additional components.

These may include:

local anesthetic and/or essential oils to soften painful sensations in the throat;
vitamin C to improve local immunity;
anti-inflammatory substances (usually of plant origin);
sweeteners and flavorings for good taste and smell;
dyes and fillers.

Indications

Antiseptics for the throat are usually prescribed by doctors for the following throat diseases:

laryngitis;
or exacerbation (as an additional agent in combination therapy).

Throat antiseptics are sold without a doctor's prescription, so they are often purchased by people without consulting a specialist. This is permissible if these drugs are used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes in initial signs not severe respiratory infection. Despite the fact that throat antiseptics do not act on viruses, their use prevents the addition of a bacterial infection.

However similar drugs provide only local treatment. When microbes penetrate deep into the mucosa and spread the infection by hematogenous or lymphogenous route, the use of antiseptics alone will not be effective.

Additional indications for taking antiseptics are diseases of the gums and oral cavity.:

stomatitis;
gingivitis;
periodontal disease.

Contraindications

A contraindication to the use of any drug is allergic reaction to its components.

For many throat antiseptics in the form of tablets and lozenges, a contraindication is childhood up to 3 years, as the child may accidentally swallow the drug. Pregnancy, especially the 1st trimester, also limits the use of throat antiseptics.

In each specific case, carefully read about contraindications in the instructions for the drug.

When to see a doctor

Antiseptics for the throat have only a local effect. Therefore, their use in the development of acute respiratory infections may be very short-term and ineffective. In such situations, it is dangerous to start the disease, hoping for incorrect treatment.

Consult your doctor immediately to correct the treatment of acute respiratory infections and throat diseases if:

the temperature stays above 38 0 C for more than a day;
there are plaques and pustules on the tonsils;
in addition to the symptoms of acute respiratory infections, there are rashes on the body;
despite treatment, the infection continues to descend down the trachea and bronchi (cough with sputum, pain behind the sternum when coughing or taking a deep breath);
shortness of breath and suffocation appeared;
there is severe sweating and weakness, headache, pain in muscles and joints.

These symptoms indicate a complication of acute respiratory infections or the presence of other diseases requiring the use of antibiotics systemic action, antiviral drugs, expectorants and other medications.

As a rule, self-treatment use of antiseptics for the throat is limited to 3 days, after which the patient’s condition must be assessed. If the condition has improved, you can extend the treatment started for another 2 days. If the condition is the same or worsens, then you need to reconsider the tactics and consult a doctor.

Independent and indiscriminate treatment with antiseptics is fraught with the formation of resistant flora, because they only reach those bacteria that are on the surface of the mucous membrane. In addition, the effect of local treatment is short-lived, since the medicine is washed off by saliva. This leads to the fact that the surviving bacteria become immune to the antiseptic and continue to multiply, forming stable colonies.

As the disease progresses, such resistant flora will be difficult to cope with even with systemic antibiotics, since many antiseptics and antibiotics have cross-sensitivity. Therefore, do not self-medicate, trust your health to specialists.

Of course, the use of local antiseptics in complex therapy will have a positive role. However, the main treatment for sore throat is the use of systemic antibiotics (orally or intramuscularly) for at least 7 days.

Types of antiseptics

Antiseptics can be used in the form of:

sprays for irrigating the throat and mouth (nose);
tablets, lozenges and lozenges;
solutions for gargling and mouthwash;
solutions for treating tonsils and gums using a spatula with gauze.

Many manufacturers produce one antiseptic in several forms for ease of use. For example, children under 3 years of age find it difficult to control resorption, and they often swallow the tablet, which negates its local antiseptic effect and increases the level of development side effects Moreover, it poses a threat of the tablet getting stuck in the child’s throat and, as a result, traumatizing the mucous membrane. Treatment with a spatula is convenient for localized infections: the presence of pustules on the tonsils, gingivitis.

Review of common throat antiseptics

There is a wide selection of throat antiseptics on the market. Which drug is better? Even a doctor will not answer this question for you, since everything is individual. The main effect of all antiseptics is the same - the destruction of pathogenic microbes. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the most common throat antiseptics and choose yours.

Active ingredient	Trade names	Advantages and additional properties	Flaws
Gramicidin	Grammidin Grammidin Neo Gramicidin S	Has a wide range of effects on microbes. Used to treat purulent wounds, boils, abscesses.	Not for pregnant and lactating women.
Fusafungin		Antibiotic local action, applies when .	Not recommended for children under 2.5 years of age and nursing mothers. May cause irritation, dry mucous membranes and even laryngospasm.
Hexethidine	Hexoral Stomatidin Stopangin	Possesses antifungal effect for stomatitis and gingivitis.	Contraindicated in atrophic pharyngitis. Not recommended for children under 8 years of age and pregnant women.
Benzocaine + tyrothricin	Stopangin 2A	An effective drug with double antiseptic action.	Not for children, pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy.
Benzacolony chloride	Septolete	Disinfectant. The spermicidal property allows it to be used as a contraceptive in other medicines.	Contraindicated in children under 4 years of age, with galactosemia and fructose intolerance.
Ambazon	Faringosept	Broad-spectrum topical antibiotic, does not affect normal flora intestines. Even pregnant women can.	Not possible only if you have an individual intolerance.
Chlorhexidine	Sebidin	Immunostimulating effect due to high dose ascorbic acid.	May cause taste disturbances, dry mouth and darkening of fillings.
Benzydamine hydrochloride	Tantum Verde	Pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, effective for symptomatic treatment.	Tablets can only be taken by children over 3 years of age.
Sulfanilamide	Inhalipt	Local antibiotic. Has an anti-inflammatory and distraction supplement.	Not for pregnant women, breastfeeding and children under 3 years of age
Furacilin	Furacilin	Antimicrobial drug for treating the throat, sinuses, purulent wounds, vagina. Can only be used in solution.	The only contraindications individual intolerance and bleeding from the treated surface.

In order to maintain a certain concentration of the antimicrobial substance on the mucous membrane, it is recommended that after treating the throat with an antiseptic, you do not eat or drink anything for an hour and a half.

Antiseptics are the first drugs medical care at the onset of acute respiratory disease throat. They serve as a preventive measure for the further spread of infection, but their independent use does not always produce the desired result. If the disease progresses, you should not rely only on local treatment. It is necessary to consult a doctor and carry out comprehensive therapy.

Useful video about treating sore throat

What is antiseptic used for? This is one of those topics that require a special, careful approach. The fact is that there are many types of antiseptics. All of them must be used for their intended purpose, strictly certain dosage. The article presents the main types of antiseptics and their areas of application. Let's start with a definition.

What is an antiseptic?

This is a means of destroying putrefactive bacteria and preventing decomposition. The origin of the word is Greek. In translation, “άντί” means “against”, and “σηπτικός” is translated as “putrefactive” or “putrid.”

Some antiseptics are germicidal and can destroy microbes, others are bacteriostatic and can only prevent or suppress their growth. An antiseptic is a drug whose effectiveness has already been proven. Microbicides that have the ability to destroy viral particles are called “antiviral drugs.”

Action

In order for bacteria to grow, they require a favorable nutrient environment (temperature, oxygen, moisture). Every housewife in life is faced with these conditions when canning. food products. Another example is the ancient practice of embalming the dead. Why do scientists find perfectly preserved mummies after many centuries? The answer is simple: antiseptics were already used then.

Before the concept of microbes was formed, attention was focused on preventing rot. Initially, the amount of the required agent was determined, as they say, “by eye.” This method was inaccurate, but experience, as we know, comes with time and practice.

Today, antiseptics are evaluated by their effect on pure culture certain type microbes or spore and vegetative forms. To compare the strength of action, a phenol solution (aqueous) taken as a standard is used.

So what is an antiseptic? It is an anti-putrefactive disinfectant. Now let's figure out in which areas it is most often used.

Antiseptic in medicine

In this area, disinfection is especially important. Before the advent of modern high-quality antiseptics, “mechanical cleaning” was widely used, which involved opening purulent formations. By the second half of the 18th century. Lister studied the "microbial theory of putrefaction" written by Louis Pasteur.

Inspired by the idea, he soon published a work revealing antiseptic principles in surgery. Special attention turned to carbolic acid. It was new way treatment of pustules and open fractures. Its essence was to apply bandages with a solution of this acid. Lister became the founder of antiseptics, which helps effectively fight infection.

Moreover, a five percent solution was applied to wounds, and a two percent solution was used to treat sutures and dressings, surgical fields, and hands.

Lister's antiseptics had not only supporters, but also ardent opponents. This was associated with pronounced irritating and toxic effects both on the patient’s tissue and on the hands of the surgeon himself. Therefore, work in this area continued intensively. A quarter of a century later, the aseptic method was discovered. The results of the discovery were impressive. And so much so that proposals were made to abandon antiseptics.

However, this turned out to be impossible. Work continued. Soon new antiseptic agents were proposed that were less toxic to the body. Surgical instruments and objects surrounding the patient began to be treated with the same substances. Thus, antiseptics and asepsis are intertwined, and very tightly.

Types of antiseptics

Mechanical. Allows you to clean wounds and non-viable tissues from microbes (rinsing purulent cavity, excision (treatment) of the wound bottom and its edges).

Physical(dressing, use of drying powders, laser, ultraviolet rays).

Chemical. It is very important not only in the treatment of wound infections, but also in their prevention. Has a detrimental effect on microorganisms.

Biological. It is based on the use of a fairly diverse and large group of drugs that act both on the microbial cell itself and on its toxins, thereby increasing protective forces the whole organism (bacteriophages, antibiotics, antitoxins (most often serums), proteolytic enzymes).

Mixed. The most common, includes several types at once (for example, primary treatment of wound surfaces (mechanical), and the introduction of anti-tetanus serum (biological)).

The number of antiseptics today is huge. But their application is almost always complex. In other words, the statement “an antiseptic is an antibiotic” is essentially correct. However, today’s medicine cannot do without “additional support” in the form of wound treatment and disinfection of premises.-

Now let's look at the most common antiseptics in medicine.

Alcohols

Ethanol, isopropyl, propyl. Concentration from 60% to 90%. Used as in pure form, and mixed. Allows you to disinfect the skin before injection and surgery. Often these alcohols are combined with tincture of iodine or with cationic surfactants (chlorhexidine, benzalkonium chloride, octenidine dihydrochloride).

Ammonium compounds

Another common name is HOUR. Contains a number of chemicals (benzalkonium chloride (BAC), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMB), benzethonium chloride (BZT), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC or Cetrim)). Benzalkonium chloride is added to some disinfectants. Necessary for skin treatment before surgery. Used to impregnate antiseptic towels. The antimicrobial effects of QAC are inactivated by anionic surfactants (for example, soap).

Boric acid

Added to suppositories intended to treat vaginal fungal infections. Boric acid perfectly fights herpes viral attacks. It is also added to burn creams and lens solutions.

Chlorgeskidine gluconate

Diamond green

Popularly called “green stuff”. A very common drug. Used to treat wounds and small abscesses. Has a detrimental effect on gram-positive bacteria.

Hydrogen peroxide

It is an antiseptic used to deodorize and clean sores and wounds. In everyday life, it is most often used to treat scratches and the umbilical cord. 6% and 3% solutions are available.

Iodine

Most often used in alcohol solutions, Lugol solution. Pre- and postoperative antiseptic. It is not recommended to disinfect small wounds with it, as it promotes the formation of scars. Among the main advantages is high antimicrobial activity. At long-term exposure kills major pathogens, including spores of complex forms of microorganisms.

Miramistin product

This is a new generation drug. The drug "Miramistin" is an antiseptic that is used in the treatment (or prevention) of fungal, viral and bacterial infections. Russian production. This antiseptic is often recommended for the treatment of a number of infectious (cold) diseases. Reviews about it are mostly very positive.

The drug is active against a wide range of microbes, causing inflammation and suppuration of wounds, sore throat, fungal diseases, chlamydia, herpes, etc. The activity of Miramistin does not depend on the location of the pathogen.

ASD

The second name is antiseptic stimulant. It has pronounced antimicrobial and stimulating properties. Helps increase overall tone, reduces intoxication. It is active against staphylococci, tubercle bacilli, etc. It has a rather unpleasant, pungent odor, which is why it is often used for veterinary purposes.

Phenol

In the form of a solution, it is used to treat the doctor’s hands immediately before surgery. Recommended for rinsing the throat and mouth. Phenol powder is sprinkled on the navel during healing. It has both an antiseptic and analgesic effect.

Antiseptics outside of medicine

They are in demand in the food industry. As a rule, these are antiseptic preservatives, most often acids (for example, the well-known acetic acid). It is thanks to them that it is possible to store for a long time canned food. Antiseptics are very actively used in construction. They are added to most paints and varnishes.

This allows you to neutralize saprophytic microflora. Wood antiseptic is a powerful weapon against blue stains, mold, rot, and fire. In addition, it increases the shelf life of freshly cut trees. Glazing antiseptic is especially in demand. What is it? This is the name of the drug that allows you to preserve the texture of wood and at the same time emphasizes its beauty.

A glazing antiseptic reduces the harmful effects of moisture, ultraviolet rays, temperature changes, and is effective against insects. Antiseptics are also used in everyday life. They are added to detergents and used to treat premises.

Antiseptics for treating wounds are available in every home medicine cabinet. But do people always choose the right thing to treat a wound with? It’s not without reason that there are several various solutions, each of which should be used to treat specific wounds and sores. Today we will find out why we need an antiseptic? Let's look at the 9 most popular and inexpensive means and let's look at their differences.

What is an antiseptic?

Let us immediately turn to the Greek translation of the term: anti - against, septikos - putrefactive. And an antiseptic really is any product that can fight bacteria caused by decomposition processes, and also serves to prevent their proliferation.

Antiseptics have been known since ancient times. Embalming of corpses was carried out with means that prevented decay processes, otherwise some finds would not have survived to contemporaries. But antiseptics began to be popularized only in the mid-19th century, when the first trials began. surgical operations using carbolic acid.

By the way! Antiseptics are used not for healing wounds, but specifically for their disinfection, i.e. to destroy infection and prevent inflammation.

Antiseptics today are used not only in medicine, but in other areas as well. For example, in the woodworking industry for impregnating wood to avoid the development of putrefactive processes. Logs for a bath that will constantly be in a humid environment definitely need pre-treatment antiseptic impregnations. So, what are the types of antiseptics?

9 best antiseptics

Carbolic acid, which was first used as a body antiseptic, is not used today due to its dangers. Essentially, it is a harmful phenol, which large quantities may cause poisoning. But over 150 years, many different antiseptics have been invented that meet all necessary requirements, namely:

All these requirements in varying degrees Answered by at least 9 antiseptics, which are considered the most effective and affordable.

The antiseptic effect of ethyl alcohol does not last long. As soon as the alcohol evaporates (30-40 seconds), the effect stops. But usually it is enough to destroy the most active microbes. Ethanol is initially used to treat small fresh wounds and cuts, but it cannot be used constantly. Alcohol dries out the skin and frequent use may cause microtraumas. The cost of one bottle of ethanol (100 ml) is small: about 30 rubles.

Aqueous solution of Furacilin

Furacilin belongs to antimicrobial agents wide spectrum. It is used more often in the form of an aqueous solution, although it can also be prepared with alcohol. An aqueous solution of Furacilin is good for treating wounds and sores on the mucous membrane: in the mouth, nose, vagina. But it also works great as a skin antiseptic (ulcers, burns).

Furacilin is sold in the form of ready-made solutions (60-70 rubles per 100 ml), tablets that need to be crushed into powder before dissolving (80-90 rubles per 10 pcs.), as well as effervescent self-dissolving tablets (110-120 rubles per 10 pcs. ).

This is a so-called antiseptic-antioxidant, which releases oxygen upon contact with the skin. This is indicated by the bubbles that appear when peroxide is applied to the wound. The more bubbles there are, the more contamination there is. Treating a wound with hydrogen peroxide is very effective on postoperative sutures, since the resulting foam automatically washes away dirt without requiring wiping the wound.

Despite the apparent aggressiveness of hydrogen peroxide, it is a fairly mild antiseptic that can also be used for mucous membranes. For example, you can moisten a cotton swab with it and insert it into the nostril to stop bleeding and treat a damaged vessel. At the same time, it is an excellent drying agent. The cost of a bottle of peroxide (10 ml) is approximately 40 rubles.

Potassium permanganate solution

It has an antimicrobial and disinfectant effect due to the oxidizing ability of manganese. Potassium permanganate is used to treat wounds, ulcers, and burns. But it is important to prepare a weak solution, because a highly concentrated one can cause a chemical burn to the skin.

At home, it is not recommended to use potassium permanganate precisely because of ignorance of the exact concentration for certain wounds and non-compliance with the preparation technique. But some water pink color suitable, for example, for moistening a dried bandage. In the pharmacy, potassium permanganate is sold in the form of burgundy crystals and is called “Potassium permanganate”. The cost of a five-gram bottle is 60-70 rubles.

Good old antiseptic, which is found in almost every home. To treat wounds, a 5% solution is used, although in some cases it is necessary to dilute it to a less concentrated solution. Iodine is good for treating fresh cuts and shallow wounds.

It is not recommended to use iodine solution to treat wounds received more than 5 days ago, as well as acne, bedsores and thermal burns. Iodine should also be used with caution in people suffering from endocrine diseases. 10 ml of iodine costs only 10-15 rubles.

Or simply green stuff, which is so disliked in the USA, believing that it is toxic. But in Russia this antiseptic is the most popular. There is probably no person who has never encountered greenery. It has an excellent antimicrobial effect, but does not damage tissues or cause burns, such as iodine. The content of ethyl alcohol in brilliant green makes the antiseptic even more effective for use on both fresh and old wounds.

Brilliant green solution can fight not only gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, but also dangerous Staphylococcus aureus and diphtheria bacillus. Another plus of brilliant green: the ability to stimulate tissue regeneration. And this is the cheapest antiseptic: the cost of a bottle (10 ml) is 10 rubles. Against the backdrop of all the advantages, there is only one disadvantage: rich green, which takes a very long time to wash off. And in order not to stain yourself and everything around with green paint, you can use not a standard bottle, but a special pencil. It costs 50-60 rubles.

Otherwise, it is called “red green,” although its properties are somewhat different from the properties of a solution of brilliant green. Fukortsin also contains ethyl alcohol, as well as boric acid and phenol. Therefore, it must be used with caution.

Fukortsin is used to disinfect wounds, prevent their suppuration and stop the process that has already begun. Suitable for the treatment of purulent and fungal skin diseases. It is used for abrasions, erosive wounds, and acne on the face. The cost of a bottle of Fukortsin (25 ml) is approximately 40 rubles.

Chlorhexidine bigluconate

An antiseptic that can rarely be found in a home medicine cabinet because it is not universal. Chlorhexidine bigluconate (or as it is more simply called - Chlorhexidine) is prescribed by a doctor, and in a certain concentration.

For example, 0.05% is used to gargle and wash the nose, but to treat wounds on the skin, a more concentrated solution is needed: from 0.1 to 0.5%. Chlorhexidine is good for purulent wounds and burns. It is suitable for prevention venereal diseases(a solution of 0.1% can be used to treat the genitals).

Important! For open wounds and mucous membranes, an aqueous solution of Chlorhexidine is used. Alcohol is used by surgeons for wiping hands before operations, processing instruments and devices.

Depending on the concentration of Chlorhexidine, it is able to fight certain types of bacteria and infections. The cost of a bottle of a 0.05% aqueous solution costs less than 10 rubles per 100 ml. Alcohol will cost 10-15 rubles more.

A universal antiseptic that appeared relatively recently and immediately became popular. Its basis is a complex monohydrate. Those who have tried Miramistin once rarely return to other means. It has a very wide spectrum of action, perfectly fights infections of the throat, nose, and genital tract, and is suitable for treating sutures. Another plus is that it is absolutely tasteless and does not sting, even when treating severe and deep wounds.

The disadvantage of Miramistin is its price. This is the most expensive antiseptic previously presented. A 150 ml bottle costs 340-350 rubles. But it is used economically, thanks to the spray nozzle.

There are also antiseptic ointments that also work effectively ( Ichthyol ointment, Vishnevsky ointment, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Levomekol, etc.) and antibacterial powders for wounds (Gentaxan, Baneocin, Streptocide, Xeroform, Galagran).

How to properly treat an open wound

Any wound, even a minor one, requires antiseptic treatment. If your cat scratches you, a hangnail comes off, or you get damaged while shaving, you must treat the wound to avoid infection and the development of gangrene. There are cases when negligent attitude toward oneself led to severe consequences, and, for example, due to a squeezed out and untreated pimple, an infection entered the body.

Having received a wound (any damage to the skin that provoked bleeding), you must immediately avoid any touching of it. Then take an antiseptic and apply it to the wound using a piece of cotton wool or a bandage, or simply by spraying the product. Then, if the damage is serious, you should consult a doctor. If it’s not serious, you can put a bandage on top or bandage it.

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Before the appearance modern antiseptics“mechanical antiseptics” based on the Latin principle were widespread Uvi pus - ubi es“If you see pus, let it out.”

Widespread use of antiseptic surgical methods followed the publication of Joseph Lister's The Antiseptic Principle in Surgical Practice in 1867, inspired by Louis Pasteur's "germ theory of putrefaction." In 1865, having become convinced of the antiseptic properties of carbolic acid, which the Parisian pharmacist Lemaire began to use in 1860, he used a bandage with its solution in the treatment of an open fracture. In 1867, Lister published an article “On a new method of treating fractures and ulcers with comments on the causes of suppuration.” It outlined the basics of the antiseptic method he proposed. Lister went down in the history of surgery as the founder of antiseptics, creating the first integral, multicomponent method of fighting infection.

Joseph Lister's method included a multi-layer bandage (a layer of silk soaked in a 5% solution of carbolic acid was attached to the wound, 8 layers of gauze soaked in the same solution with the addition of rosin were placed on top of it, all of this was covered with rubberized fabric and fixed with bandages soaked in carbolic acid), treatment hands, instruments, dressings and sutures, surgical field- 2-3% solution, air sterilization in the operating room (using a special “spray” before and during the intervention).

In Russia, the task of introducing antiseptics was carried out by a number of outstanding surgeons, among them N.V. Sklifosovsky, K.K. Reyer, S.P. Kolomin, P.P. Pelekhin (author of the first article on antiseptics in Russia), I. I. Burtsev (the first surgeon in Russia who published the results of his own use of the antiseptic method in 1870), L. L. Levshin, N. I. Studensky, N. A. Velyaminov, N. I. Pirogov.

Lister's antiseptics, in addition to its supporters, had many ardent opponents. This was due to the fact that carbolic acid had a pronounced toxic and irritating effect on the patient’s tissue and the surgeon’s hand (plus the spraying of a solution of carbolic acid in the air of the operating room), which made some surgeons doubt the value of this method.

25 years later, Lister's antiseptic method was replaced by new method- aseptic. The results of its use were so impressive that there were calls for the abandonment of antiseptics and the exclusion of antiseptics from surgical practice. At the same time, it turned out to be impossible to do without them in surgery.

Thanks to the successes of chemistry for the treatment of purulent wounds and infectious processes, a number of new antiseptic agents have been proposed that are much less toxic to the tissues and body of the patient than carbolic acid. Similar substances began to be used to treat surgical instruments and objects surrounding the patient. Thus, slowly, asepsis became closely intertwined with antisepsis; now surgery is simply unthinkable without the unity of these two disciplines.

Some common antiseptics

Alcohols

The most common include ethanol (60-90%), propyl (60-70%) and isopropyl alcohol (70-80%), or mixtures of these alcohols. Alcohols are used to disinfect the skin before injections, often together with iodine (tincture of iodine) or some cationic surfactants (benzalkonium chloride 0.05-0.5%, chlorhexidine 0.2-4.0% or octenidine dihydrochloride 0.1-2.0%).

Quaternary ammonium compounds

Also known as QACs, include chemicals such as: benzalkonium chloride (BAC), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMB), cetylpyridinium chloride (Cetrim, CPC) and benzethonium chloride (BZT). Benzalkonium chloride is used in some preoperative skin disinfectants (0.05-0.5% concentration) and in antiseptic towels. Antimicrobial action QAC is inactivated by anionic surfactants such as soap.

Boric acid

Used in suppositories to treat vaginal fungal infections, and as antiviral agent to shorten the duration of a herpes viral attack. Also added to burn creams. It is also often used in ophthalmic contact lens solution.

Diamond green

Triarylmethane dye is currently widely used in the form of a 1% solution in ethanol in Eastern Europe and countries former USSR for the treatment of small wounds and abscesses. Effective against gram-positive bacteria.

Chlorhexidine gluconate

A derivative of biguanidine, used in concentrations of 0.5-4.0% alone or in lower concentrations in combination with other compounds such as alcohols. Used as an antiseptic for the skin and to treat inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). These cationic surfactants are similar to QAS.

Hydrogen peroxide

Used as a 6% solution for cleaning and deodorizing wounds and ulcers. More common 3% hydrogen peroxide solutions are used in everyday life to treat scratches, etc. However, even this concentration is not recommended for usual care behind the wound, as it leads to scar formation and increased healing time.

Iodine solution

It is usually used in an alcohol solution (the so-called “tincture of iodine”) or in Lugol’s solution as a pre- and postoperative antiseptic. Not recommended for disinfecting small wounds because it causes tissue scarring and prolongs healing time. The great advantage of iodine is its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, it kills all major pathogens and, with prolonged exposure, even spores, which are considered the most difficult form of microorganisms to inactivate by disinfectants and antiseptics.

Mercurochrome

Outdated antiseptic. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider it safe or effective due to concerns about mercury content. Bis-(phenylmercury) monohydroborate (Famosept) is also an outdated organomercury antiseptic.

Octenidine dihydrochloride

A cationic surfactant with antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms. It is similar in its action to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), but has a wider spectrum of activity. Octenidine is now increasingly used in continental Europe as an antiseptic and a drug of choice (replacement) for QAC or chlorhexidine (due to their slow action and carcinogenic risks of 4-chloroaniline impurities) in an aqueous or alcoholic solution at a concentration of 0.1-2.0% on the skin, mucous membranes and wounds. IN aqueous solutions, often enhanced by the addition of 2-phenoxyethanol.

Phenol compounds (carbolic acid)

Used for hand treatment medical personnel before surgery. Also used in powder form as an antiseptic baby powder for the belly button while it is healing. Phenol is used in mouth and throat rinses and has an analgesic and antiseptic effect.

Polyhexanide (polyhexamethylene guanidine biguanides, PHMB)

Antimicrobial compounds are suitable for clinical use for infected acute and chronic wounds. Physicochemical effects on the bacterial environment prevent the development of resistant strains of bacteria.

Non-medical uses of antiseptics

Antiseptics have found application in the food industry. In particular, many preservatives are based on antiseptic properties that suppress the development of microflora in canned products. For example, ethylene oxide is used to disinfect medical equipment and instruments, primarily heat-sensitive ones, for example, disposable syringes.

Paints and varnishes with antiseptic properties are used in construction to protect wood materials from saprophytic microflora.

Wood antiseptics help protect wood from rot, mold, blue stains, insects, moisture, fire and combustion, and preserve freshly cut wood during transportation.

Antiseptics are included in detergents used in everyday life and in enterprises catering, industrial enterprises and other institutions.

Hand antiseptics are alcohol-based disinfectants for hygiene. This type disinfectant used in everyday life and at work to prevent transmission pathogenic microorganisms, and in addition to comply with basic rules of hand hygiene in public places.