Antiseptics

An antiseptic is a substance that destroys or slows down germs, like bacteria, from growing on your skin. It helps lower the risk of infection.

Antiseptics are chemicals. They’re mixed with water or alcohol as a base to create a solution. The most common over-the-counter ones you’ll find are hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol. You probably use them without realizing it. They’re in many hand sanitizers, soaps and dental rinses. Healthcare providers may use other types, especially during procedures or surgeries.

Only use these solutions as recommended. If you have questions about how to use them or how to care for an injury, talk to a provider.

What does antiseptic mean?

The term “antiseptic” means “against infection.” It comes from Greek roots:

• “Anti” means “against”
• “Septic” comes from the word “sepsis”

Sepsis is a severe, whole-body response to an infection. In medicine, an antiseptic is a substance that helps prevent infection by stopping germs from growing on living tissue.

What are antiseptics used for?

Antiseptics may reduce germs on your skin and protect you from infection. They’re commonly used for:

• Handwashing
• Cleaning your skin before shots, blood draws or surgery
• Cleaning minor cuts, scrapes or wounds
• Minimizing germs in your mouth

What are the types of antiseptics?

Different antiseptics work in different ways to kill or slow down germs:

• Benzalkonium chloride: This breaks the outer layer of germs and is gentle on your skin. It doesn’t work as well against fungi or viruses. It’s in some wipes and first aid products.
• Chlorhexidine: It kills germs by breaking down their outer walls. It works quickly and keeps working after you use it. Providers often use it to clean your skin before surgery or in certain dental rinses.
• Chloroxylenol: It blocks germs by damaging their outer layer. It works slowly and doesn’t stay active for long. You can find it in some soaps and household antiseptic products.
• Hexachlorophene: This slows down germ growth by affecting how they make energy. It mainly targets certain skin bacteria and stays active after use. It’s rarely used now because better options exist.
• Hydrogen peroxide: This kills germs by breaking down their cell parts. It works on many types of germs but can also irritate healthy skin. People often keep it at home, but it’s not ideal for regular wound care.
• Isopropyl alcohol: This kills germs by breaking down their membranes and proteins. It works very fast but doesn’t last on your skin. It’s in hand sanitizers and in many skin wipes.
• Povidone-iodine: It releases iodine to damage germs and stop them from growing. It works quickly but doesn’t last long. A provider may use it to clean wounds or prepare your skin before a procedure.

What does an antiseptic do?

An antiseptic helps protect your skin from infection by reducing the number of germs on it. It works like a skin-safe disinfectant and can target bacteria, fungi and some viruses on contact. This is important when there’s damage to your skin, like with cuts, scrapes or surgical incisions.

Antiseptics work in two main ways:

• Bactericidal: It kills bacteria.
• Bacteriostatic: It slows down bacteria so they can’t multiply.

Both actions lower the number of germs on your skin. For example, your surgeon will clean your skin with an antiseptic before surgery. This may lower your risk of infection and help your body heal.

What’s the difference between an antiseptic and a disinfectant?

Antiseptics are for living tissue (skin). Disinfectants are stronger chemicals meant for objects and surfaces, not skin. For example, you might use an antiseptic wipe on a cut, but a disinfectant spray on a kitchen counter.

Are antiseptics safe to use?

Yes, antiseptics are generally safe when you use them as directed. You should only use them on your skin and for the amount of time recommended. You should never swallow an antiseptic. Avoid pouring alcohol or peroxide into deep wounds or large burns. This can harm healing tissue. See a healthcare provider instead.

Even with proper use, an antiseptic doesn’t guarantee you won’t get an infection.

Like any product, antiseptics can cause side effects. Watch out for things like:

• Allergic reaction
• Brief stinging when applied
• Dry skin
• Healthy tissue damage
• Skin irritation
• Slow wound healing

Call a provider if you notice any unusual skin reactions or signs of infection, like:

• Fever
• Severe pain
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling
• Warmth