Antiseptic

Antiseptic is any chemical substance that is used in an optimum concentration that can reduce the number of viable microbes from any living and nonliving surface to the extent that infection can hardly be reproduced. Antiseptics were first discovered by Doctor Joseph Lister in 1867 when he used carbolic acid to clean small wounds and his surgical tools.

There are several types of antiseptics classified based on their mode of action. For example, (i) Phenol and its derivatives: Phenol denatures bacterial proteins and thus kills microorganisms. Other phenol derivatives like cresol and chloroxylenol are also used as antiseptics; (ii) Peroxide and permanganate: They carry out their activity by forming free hydroxyl radicals that damage bacterial cell components. These are used for gargling, irrigating cavities, and disinfecting wounds and skin; (iii) Chlorhexidine and other diguanides can disrupt bacterial cell membranes. Hence, they are used as a mouth wash and general skin antiseptics and to disinfect surgical instruments; (iv) Povidone-iodine is also known as iodopovidone. Povidone-iodine is a chemical complex of povidone, hydrogen iodide, and elemental iodine used for skin disinfection before and after surgery.

Antiseptics have miscellaneous applications in our daily life and medical settings. They include: (i) Washing hands: Antiseptics are available in the form of hand rubs and gels for an easier application; (ii) Disinfecting skin and mucous membrane: Antiseptics are generally applied on skin and urethra, bladder, and vagina to clean the area before inserting a catheter; (iii) Disinfecting surgical utensils and hospital management: Antiseptics are widely used in hospitals to sanitize hard-surfaces and surgical tools; (iv) Treating skin infections: In burns, wounds and minor cuts antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol are used to reduce the chance of infection; (v) Treating sinus infection: Iodine solution is used as an antiseptic to wash the nasal cavity for treating sinus infection.

Antiseptics need to be used cautiously since strong antiseptics can cause skin irritation or chemical burns if not diluted enough. Also, antiseptic usage should be avoided for eye injury, more serious wounds, and burns. [Mohammad Riazul Islam]