The Use of Antiseptics

Antiseptics, together with disinfectants, compose a broad family of active chemical substances called biocides. These chemical substances are found in many products such as alcohols and hand sanitizers for general and clinical use. Antiseptics may be used singly or in combination with other products. Furthermore, antiseptics may have different effects on the target microorganism and on the site of infection or wound.

Definition

• The term antiseptic comes from the words "anti" for against and "septic" for infection. Hence, antiseptic are substances designed for preventing infection from microorganisms. These organisms are too small for the naked to see and may include bacteria, virus, protozoa and fungus.

  Antiseptics are used in living systems as opposed to disinfectants which are used on inanimate objects. Moreover, antiseptics are not target-specific, in contrast to antibiotics which target or work only against specific pathogens.

Mechanism of Action

• The exact mechanism of action of antiseptics is unknown; however, it is probable that a common pattern or sequence of events exist. The patternm as described by Dr. Gerald McDonnell and Dr. A. Denver Russell in their article published on the Clinical Microbiology Reviews, can be envisaged as "interaction of the antiseptic with the cell surface followed by penetration into the cell and action at the target site(s)."

  Overall, antiseptics may act in three steps---interaction, penetration and action. The last step or action is inhibition of growth of the microorganism.

General Use

• Antiseptics are widely used by the general public as antimicrobial agents in the form of soaps for handwashing and mouthwash for oral health care. Another general skin antiseptic is alcohol, which comes in a variety of concentration; the higher the concentration, the higher the antiseptic efficacy. Moreover, antiseptics are also components of deodorants, which are widely available as antibacterial products that are often bundled with other components, such as chemical substances that prevent perspiration.

Clinical Use

• Antiseptics are also used in hospitals and health care facilities for various types of operations. These may be simple wound cleaning operations and may also be complex, surgical operations---before and after the surgery.

  Antiseptics are also used in topical applications for preventing infection from burns, as well as to remove warts. Moreover, antiseptics prevent nosocomial infections, which are conditions contracted by a patient while under medical treatment.

Considerations

• The use and effects of antiseptics vary in different types of microorganisms. For instance, a 70 percent concentration of alcohol may kill one type of bacteria but may be ineffective for another type of bacteria. Moreover, antiseptic effects vary in every individual. For instance, you may be allergic to a highly concentrated mouthwash but not to a milder one.