Antiseptic impregnations for wood

ANTISEPTICS

(Greek anti- against- + septikos causing suppuration, putrefactive; synonym
antiputrefactive method
) - in its original meaning - a method of preventing and treating surgical (wound) infection by influencing its pathogens. Currently, the term “antiseptics” means a set of therapeutic and preventive measures aimed at destroying microbes in a wound, pathological formation or the body as a whole, in contrast to asepsis (see), which has emerged as an independent method, the task of which is to prevent the entry of microbes into the wound by using various methods of sterilization (see) and appropriate organization of work in the operating room. This division is to some extent arbitrary, and in some cases the distinction between antisepsis and asepsis is difficult.

Even in ancient times, many doctors empirically came to the conclusion about the need to disinfect wounds. For this purpose, cauterization was used with a hot iron, boiling oil, vinegar, lime, balsamic ointments and other substances were used (Hippocrates, Celsus, Ibn Sina, etc.).

In 1843, Holmes (O. W. Holmes), and in 1847, Semmelweis (I. Semmelweis) proposed using a solution of bleach to disinfect the hands of obstetricians.

N.I. Pirogov used various substances (tincture of iodine, solution of silver nitrate in wine alcohol, etc.) to disinfect wounds during their treatment.

Origin of the term and development of the method

The origin of the term and the development of the antiseptic method is largely associated with the name of Louis Pasteur, who in 1863 proved through a series of experiments that the processes of fermentation and decay are caused by the ingress and activity of microorganisms. Having transferred Pasteur's idea to surgery, Lister (J. Lister) gave a scientific basis for the suppuration of wounds, explaining it by getting into the wound and the development of bacteria in it.

With his work “On a new method of treating fractures and ulcers with remarks on the causes of suppuration” (1867), which outlined the principles of his teaching, Lister revolutionized surgery, opening a new “antiseptic” era. In order to destroy microbes in the air, Lister proposed disinfecting the air in the operating room before and during surgery by spraying a solution of carbolic acid from a spray bottle. The surgical field, the surgeon's hands, instruments and everything that came into contact with the wound during the operation were treated with a 2-5% carbolic acid solution. After the operation, the wound was isolated from the air with a multilayer bandage, also impregnated with carbolic acid - a “protector” impregnated with a 5% solution of carbolic acid in resins sealed the wound with the first layer. Eight more layers of gauze soaked in a mixture of carbolic acid, paraffin and rosin were placed on top of it. This bandage was covered with oilcloth or rubberized fabric, which was held on the wound by a bandage also impregnated with carbolic acid. Thus, Lister's method combined the principles of asepsis and antisepsis in the modern sense. The use of this technique led to a sharp reduction in the number of suppurations and quickly found a large number of supporters. In Russia, this method was first used by I. I. Burtsev in 1870.

The widespread use of Lister's method also revealed its negative aspects: 1) carbolic acid caused tissue necrosis in the wound area; 2) washing surgeons’ hands with a solution of carbolic acid caused dermatitis; 3) inhalation of carbolic acid often led to poisoning of both patients and surgeons.

Currently, antisepsis has developed into an important area of surgical science and is an integral part of the surgical treatment method.

Its development is due to the accumulation of knowledge not only in the field of surgery, but also in such fields as microbiology, pharmacology, physics, chemistry and a number of other sciences. The following types of antiseptics are distinguished: mechanical, physical, chemical, biological and mixed.

What types of antiseptics are there?

Today you can find antiseptics in various forms and choose the one that suits you best. Also, the choice may depend on the operating conditions and the characteristics of your skin.

Types of antiseptics:

Liquid;
Spray;
Treated wipes;
Foamy;
Gel-like.

In addition to the forms in which all disinfectants are produced, they may differ slightly in composition. Alcohol-containing antiseptics can contain from 60% to 90% alcohol. The higher the indicator, the stronger the effect. But, as a rule, products with a large percentage of ethyl are used in medicine.

There are also aqueous antiseptics with glycerin and other additives. If you are choosing a product for daily use, it is better to choose this type. It is more gentle and does not dry out your hands too much.

Mechanical antiseptics

One of the most important components of the prevention and treatment of wound infection is the mechanical removal of infected and non-viable tissue. Primary surgical treatment of wounds is one of the most commonly used types of mechanical antiseptics. If this intervention is performed correctly (time from the moment of injury, surgical technique), an accidental infected wound turns into an aseptic surgical wound that heals by primary intention (see Surgical treatment of wounds). As a therapeutic measure aimed at reducing the number of microbes in the wound and creating unfavorable conditions for their life, mechanical antiseptics are widely used in the form of surgical wound care (removal of foreign bodies, necrotic and non-viable tissues, opening of leaks and pockets, washing the wound and other manipulations aimed at to clean an infected wound). Primary surgical treatment of wartime wounds and the Lister method in their treatment were first used by the Russian surgeon K. K. Reyer during the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878.

Three more DIY antistatic recipes

Recommended by WHO. To 830 ml of ethyl (medicinal) alcohol add 40 ml of hydrogen peroxide, 15 ml of glycerin, 115 ml of water (boiled or distilled). Shake the container with the ingredients and leave for 72 hours to destroy microorganisms that may be in the container and its components.
With isopropyl alcohol. For 750 ml of alcohol, 40 ml of hydrogen peroxide, 15 ml of glycerin, 185 ml of water, 1 ml of essential oil.
With pharmaceutical tinctures. To a bottle of tincture (calendula, chamomile), with an alcohol content of at least 70%, add several capsules of vitamin E in the form of an oil solution.

Pour reasonably prepared solutions into small containers (up to 100 ml) or into a bottle with a spray bottle (enough for a longer time). You must use the product after you have touched any surfaces in public places. Wipe your hands thoroughly, from all sides, not forgetting the space between the fingers.

Antiseptic is not the main protection. It should only be used if it is not possible to wash your hands with soap.

Physical antisepsis

Physical antiseptics is also one of the most important methods of preventing and treating wound infections through the use of various physical factors that cause the death of microorganisms or a decrease in their number, as well as the destruction or elimination of toxins produced by microbial cells. Physical antiseptics include the use of a hygroscopic dressing, which, as a result of capillary properties, creates conditions for the active suction of wound secretions containing a large number of microbes and their toxins. The use of hypertonic solutions with their high osmotic pressure exceeding the oncotic pressure in the wound, according to the mechanism of action on the wound process, is also close to the physical phenomenon of capillarity. The pressure difference created by hypertonic solutions promotes the outflow of wound fluid into the dressing. However, the effect of a hypertonic solution is not limited only to the physical factor (high osmotic pressure); hypertonic solutions also have a chemical and biological effect on the wound and microorganisms, that is, they include elements of chemical and biological antiseptics. The effect of light, dry heat, ultrasound, ultraviolet rays and other physical factors on a microbial cell also cannot be explained only by purely physical phenomena. Their mechanism of action is not only physical, but also biological and physicochemical. Thus, physical antiseptics refers to the use of an extensive complex of physical factors and phenomena that are closely related to all other types of antiseptics.

One of the most important conditions for the long service life of a wooden structure and the preservation of its remarkable properties is timely disinfection of wood and antiseptic impregnations. After all, wood is a fairly loose, breathable and hygroscopic natural material with good porosity. It is very comfortable for all living things. Including for those who not only live in it, but also feed on its tissues, infecting and destroying them: for wood-boring insects, harmful microorganisms, fungi, algae and their various symbiotic associations.

Comparison of three different impregnations:

To prevent biological and physical damage, special water-based or organic-based antiseptic impregnations are used to treat wood. Their use should begin already in the woodworking industry or at least at the construction site before installation begins.

The fact is that the initial stage of infection by many pests is very easy to miss due to their microscopic size.

For example, the smallest spores of the most dangerous house fungi can be carried from not thoroughly disinfected tools or by the wind from nearby fallen trees or old used wood. Their germination cannot be tracked, and when traces of all-destructive life activity become noticeable, it becomes difficult and sometimes impossible to fight them. Therefore, it is so important to disinfect timber and impregnate it with an antiseptic as early as possible.

Antiseptic impregnations are:

water based;
on oil;
on wax;
combined.

Among all types of impregnations today, the best ones are water-based, thanks to the best set of qualities:

Impregnations are water-soluble, mostly odorless and non-toxic, and can be used both outdoors and indoors.
They reliably protect surfaces from moisture, harmful biological factors and contamination.
They do not have an unpleasant odor.
Do not change the texture of the processed object;
Often they are given coloring properties, which, on the one hand, provides an attractive look to the wood, and on the other hand, it is visually easy to determine which area is painted and which is not yet.

Important! Water-based impregnations provide better fire protection.

Natural impregnations are vegetable oils and waxes. They compact the wood, enhance its strength and wear-resistant characteristics.

Oil for impregnation (hemp, rapeseed, etc.) penetrates deeply into the wood and protects it for a long time from harmful influences, in particular from moisture and decay. Wax impregnation also perfectly protects wood. Its water-repellent ability is the best, but does not work in the entire temperature range - the melting point of wax is lower than that often used for sauna steam. In addition, wax prevents the wood from “breathing.”

Obviously, in order to understand which antiseptic protective impregnation is best for wooden surfaces, you need to carefully determine what properties are required of it in this particular case.

Chemical antiseptic

Chemical antiseptics is the use of various chemicals that have a bactericidal or bacteriostatic effect (see Antiseptics). In addition to the effect on the microflora, these substances in a large number of cases also have a biological effect on the tissue in the area of application (in the wound) and on the body as a whole. It is most advisable to use agents that have a maximum bacteriotropic effect with a minimum organotropic effect. An example is sulfonamide drugs (see). When using chemical antiseptics, one should not forget that it, like any therapeutic measure, must be strictly dosed.

What are antiseptics made of?

Along with protective masks, antiseptics began to disappear from pharmacies. In the context of the rapid spread of the epidemic, sanitizers are becoming a necessity.

The main ingredient of the disinfectant liquid is alcohol with a concentration of at least 70%. It is almost impossible to buy medical alcohol in its pure form. But it can be completely replaced with alcohol solutions: septil, aseptolin, salicylic acid solution and other medical solutions of appropriate concentration.

Rubbing alcohol can be replaced with isopropanol (99.8%), which can be found in hardware stores. It is usually sold as a windshield wiper. You can also use perfumes with an alcohol content of at least 70% as a replacement.

Using vodka as an antiseptic does not make sense, since a strength of 40% will not disinfect against COVID-19.

Other ingredients are added as additional components to the antiseptic:

Hydrogen peroxide. To prevent the growth of microbial spores and destruction of the spore membrane. Can be replaced with chlorhexidine;
Glycerol. To protect the skin from drying out and stimulate regeneration processes. Alcohol dries out the skin, so an emollient should be added. You can replace it with fatty cosmetic oil;
Essential oil. Pine, peppermint, tea tree, and lemon oils have antibacterial properties. Their effect on coronavirus has not yet been studied, so they should not be used as independent means. But it is quite possible to add it to an antiseptic, enhancing its effect and adding aroma.

Biological antiseptics

Biological antiseptics is the use of a large group of drugs, very diverse in their mechanism of action, that act both directly on the microbial cell or its toxins, and on a group of substances that act indirectly through the macroorganism. Drugs that have a predominantly direct effect on the microorganism are: 1) antibiotics (see), which have a bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect, 2) bacteriophages (see) and 3) antitoxins (see), administered, as a rule, in the form of serums ( antitetanus, antidiphtheria).

Vaccines, toxoids, immunoglobulins and many other drugs introduced into the body, blood and plasma transfusions act indirectly through the macroorganism, increasing its immunity (see) and thereby enhancing protective properties (specific and nonspecific).

Proteolytic enzymes deserve special mention

, used in the treatment of wounds, which, by lysing necrotic tissue, promote rapid cleansing of wounds and deprive microbial cells of nutrients. There are also indications that, by changing the habitat of microbes, proteolytic enzymes make the microbial cell more sensitive to other types of antiseptics. At the same time, proteolytic enzymes, due to the presence of enzyme inhibitors in living tissues, do not damage their cellular structures.

For the successful use of biological antiseptics, it is necessary to know not only the properties of microbial cells, which are often very diverse (antibiotic resistance, serological specificity, etc.), but also the state of the macroorganism and the optimal schemes for specific and nonspecific immunization.

Training: The simplest antiseptics that everyone should have in their first aid kit

1. 5% alcohol solution of iodine. For many years it was the most popular means for treating the edges of wounds and abrasions. Nowadays, traditional iodine is increasingly being replaced by other modern iodine-based products, for example, iodoform (it is used externally in the form of powders and ointments to treat wounds and ulcers), iodonate (an aqueous solution of a surfactant complex with iodine, it is used as a strong antiseptic, drug has high bactericidal activity), Betadine ointment (active ingredient - povidone-iodine).

Preparations containing iodine are also indispensable in the treatment of diseases of the throat and nasopharynx, for example, Lugol's solution has long been known and is in demand for lubricating the mucous membranes of the pharynx and larynx. For chronic tonsillitis, otitis, periodontitis, purulent wounds, trophic ulcers, burns, Iodinol (a product of the addition of iodine to polyvinyl alcohol), Yox is used.

2. Diamond green, or “green” as most of us say. It is used externally as an antiseptic in the form of a 0.1-2% alcohol or aqueous solution. Unlike iodine, brilliant green does not burn (it just gets very dirty), so it is advisable to use it for children. Novikov's liquid is made based on brilliant green; it is used mainly for treating minor skin injuries (abrasions, scratches from insect bites, etc.) as an antiseptic. The liquid dries quickly, forming an antiseptic elastic film on the skin. But in case of extensive bleeding or infected wounds, Novikov liquid cannot be used. Now iodine and brilliant green are sold not only in traditional small bottles. A great option is markers or pencils containing these antiseptic agents. They are much easier to take with you, they are convenient to use, they do not splash and do not stain your hands and bags. Put it in your cosmetic bag along with mascara and lipstick - and you will always have a reliable product at hand.

3. Hydrogen peroxide (perhydrol) is a “lifesaver” for many problems. This colorless transparent liquid, when applied to a sore spot, reacts with organic substances and alkalis, releasing oxygen gas. It is this white “foam” that has powerful antiseptic properties and helps cleanse and disinfect tissues. In everyday life, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is used as an antiseptic when treating wounds, as well as for rinsing and washing for sore throats and stomatitis (per glass of water - 1 teaspoon of 3% solution). But remember that the antiseptic properties of peroxide (if the pharmacy package has already been opened) weaken over time, so it is better to buy fresh peroxide from the pharmacy every time to treat wounds. You can prepare an antiseptic solution yourself by dissolving hydroperite tablets (a compound of hydrogen peroxide and urea) in water. To gargle, dissolve one tablet in a glass of water (1 tablet is equal to 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (15 ml).

4. Potassium permanganate, or potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate). Nowadays, however, potassium permanganate is not used so often; red-violet crystals with a metallic sheen are almost impossible to buy in pharmacies. However, you should not forget this remedy; in some cases, potassium permanganate can provide good effective help. Wounds are washed with a strong aqueous solution of potassium permanganate (0.1-0.5%), burns and ulcers are lubricated (2-5%), weak solutions (pale pink) are used for rinsing the mouth and throat, douching for gynecological and urological diseases (0.02-0.1%), in the same concentration (weak pink color) the stomach is washed in case of food poisoning.

5. Miramistin (a drug based on benzyldimethylmyristoylaminopropylammonium chloride), originally developed for astronauts. This modern (now they say innovative) drug not only destroys most bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa (including herpes viruses), but also increases local immunity. Microorganisms do not become resistant to the action of this bactericide.

6. Methylene blue (methyl blue). A blue aqueous solution (Pyoctanin) is used externally as an antiseptic for wounds and burns, pyoderma, boils, etc.

7. Fukortsin (Castellani liquid, Castellani paint) is an excellent remedy with a strong antiseptic and antifungal effect. The fucorcin solution has a characteristic bright crimson color; it is often used for chickenpox, lubricating the emerging blisters with liquid.

8. Dioxidine (hydroxymethylquinoxylin dioxide). This is a strong antiseptic, available in the form of an aerosol and ointment, and is used for purulent and non-healing wounds, pustular skin diseases, and infected burns. Other trade names for this product are Dixin, Dioxyplast, Hindiox.

9. Dexpanthenol is a B vitamin, a derivative of pantothenic acid. Cream and ointment for external use are used for scratches, abrasions, dermatitis, burns (including sunburn), cracks and inflammation of the nipples of the breast in nursing mothers. Other names of creams are Panthenol, D-Panthenol, Bepanten, Dexpanthenol, Korneregel, Panthenolspray, Pantoderm, etc.

10. Chlorhexidine (bigluconate). It also has excellent antimicrobial properties, is active against most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, protozoa, and herpes virus. It is used to treat and treat infected wounds: it helps relieve pain, inflammation and redness, stimulates skin regeneration and accelerates the healing process. Many ointments and solutions are made based on chlorhexidine and dexpanthenol: for example, Depantol cream (it can be used as a prophylactic agent for the treatment of various wounds - abrasions, cuts, scratches, cracks, scratching after insect bites, for the treatment of wounds, bedsores, burns (in including solar), Hexicon gel.

11. Furacilin (nitrofural): an aqueous solution of furatsilin (crush two tablets, pour a glass of hot water, cool) is usually used to treat minor skin lesions, wounds, including purulent ones, ulcers and burns. They can also be used to gargle with sore throat and exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis.

12. Boric acid. An aqueous solution of boric acid (1 teaspoon per glass of water) is used to wash the eyes; an alcohol solution of boric acid (sold in a pharmacy) is suitable for the treatment of uncomplicated otitis (the solution is warm (!), instilled into the ear, 2-3 drops 2-3 times a day or insert turundas soaked in a warm solution into the ear canal).

13. Sodium borate (borax, sodium borate). An aqueous solution of borax (1 teaspoon per glass of warm water) is used to treat wounds and cuts, and is used for douching and rinsing. An oil solution of borax in glycerin is recommended to lubricate the oral mucosa for stomatitis. Bicarmint (tablets containing sodium borate, dissolved at the rate of 1 tablet in half a glass of water) is used externally as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent for washing, rinsing, and inhalation for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

14. Balm “Rescuer” (“Ambulance”) based on natural essential oils, sea buckthorn oil, naphthalan, beeswax and other biologically active substances. This balm accelerates the healing of any traumatic injuries and can be used in the treatment of superficial and deep wounds, purulent processes, burns, bruises, abrasions, hematomas, sprains, and inflammation of the skin.

15. Vishnevsky balm (castor oil plus tar and xeroform). A long-time proven remedy for the treatment of purulent wounds, ulcers, bedsores, etc. It has strong antiseptic properties and promotes the regeneration process. True, one must keep in mind that Vishnevsky’s ointment has a very specific smell, perhaps not the most pleasant.

16. Another ointment is made based on tar - Wilkinson's ointment. It is used as an antiseptic for scabies and fungal skin diseases.

17. Imanin, an antimicrobial drug obtained from the extract of St. John's wort. Destroys many pathogenic microbes, dries the surface of the wound, stimulates tissue regeneration (restoration). Imanin is usually used in the form of ointments, solution, powder to treat various wounds, burns, ulcers, boils; this remedy can also be used to treat cracked nipples and mastitis. The affected areas are irrigated with the solution, then a bandage soaked in the solution is applied for several hours.

18. Calendula tincture. An alcohol tincture of calendula flowers (marigolds) is widely used for cuts, purulent wounds, burns, and for gargling for throat diseases (0.5 teaspoon in half a glass of water). Tinctures of eucalyptus, Japanese Sophora, onion, etc. also have bactericidal properties.

How to use an antiseptic correctly?

Antiseptics are compact, easy to use, protect the skin from various diseases, and give a pleasant feeling of cleanliness and a light aroma. These products are in many ways superior to the effect of hygienic soap, killing up to 99% of germs and viruses.

In any case, the manufacturer assures us of this.

The advantages of antiseptics are obvious, but is such a product safe? Experts' opinions were divided. Some experts are sure that regular use of antiseptics destroys the natural membrane of the skin. And even those drugs that are made without alcohol cannot be called completely safe. Some people may experience rashes from the fragrance (the flavoring agent in the product). Parabens can cause redness on the skin.

Important!

You should not use antiseptics after the expiration date, because you are likely to harm yourself.

No need to apply hand sanitizer every 5 minutes! At work, you should use an antiseptic only when you take on new objects. For example, a computer mouse, documents, a telephone, a door. You can also treat your hands with antiseptic after getting off public transport or paying for a purchase in a store.

Hands must be completely treated with antiseptic. You should not ignore nail treatment, because it is under them that a large number of microbes accumulate.

Treatment must be carried out within 15-30 seconds. Please note that preparations containing alcohol dry out very quickly. You need to have time to distribute them over the entire surface of your hands.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

Terms of use

Before treating any injury, you must wash your hands with soap, rinse the wound, or remove foreign bodies, remaining dirt, etc. with tweezers. If the wound or burn is extensive, then you should not pour antiseptic inside. For example, only the edges of the wound are treated with iodine so as not to cause a chemical burn, additional injury and lead to longer healing. It is not recommended to use antiseptic drugs for dermatological diseases without consulting a doctor.

Ethanol is used in medicine as an antiseptic, usually in the form of a solution or as part of other drugs in small dosages, but is not used in the mucous membranes of the eyes, throat or nose.

For the purpose of intimate prophylaxis, only the external genitalia, vagina and urethra are treated, but this is only possible with the help of suitable antiseptic drugs.

Antiseptics for the prevention and treatment of stomatitis, herpes, colds, pharyngitis, sore throat, and so on are available in various dosage forms. Rinse solutions, lozenges and lozenges, aerosols for inhalation, and more can be used. Some antiseptics may contain local anesthetics, deodorizing agents or essential oils.

Common antiseptics

What is an antiseptic in medicine? This is a drug that has an antimicrobial effect. The mechanism of action of substances from different groups is not the same, some disrupt the permeability of the plasma membrane of a pathogenic microorganism, others disrupt the structure of the protein molecule or inhibit enzymes that are important for the life of fungi, viruses and bacteria. To ensure that antiseptics do not cause harm (after all, in appropriate concentrations they have a detrimental effect on most microorganisms), they must be used correctly.

The list of antiseptics in medicine that are most often used is as follows:

alcohols (the most common are propyl, ethanol, isopropyl, mixtures thereof);
quaternary ammonium compounds (used in some disinfectants, antiseptic towels, toilet soap);
boric acid (against herpes and in the treatment of fungal infections of the vagina);
brilliant green (a dye still widely used as a solution to treat minor wounds and abscesses);
chlorhexidine gluconate (antiseptic for skin and treatment of gum inflammation);
hydrogen peroxide (used to treat wounds and scratches in everyday life);
iodine solution (used for pre- and postoperative disinfection, not recommended for treating small wounds);
octenidine dihydrochloride (the substance is active against a wide range of microorganisms);
carbolic acid and other phenol compounds (used as a baby antiseptic powder for the navel, for rinsing the mouth and throat, and treating staff's hands).

Antiseptics for coronavirus

Experts recommend disinfecting not only your hands, but also the entire surface with which a person comes into contact. It is also important to treat mobile phones, since the part of the device that comes into contact with the face is the dirtiest. The cover can also be processed.

Important! The effectiveness of the liquid is reduced if it is applied to oily and overly dirty hands.

Photo: antiseptic for coronavirus

Which antiseptic to choose?

Choosing an antiseptic should be done by trial and error. Read what the substance contains. If your skin is sensitive, it is better to opt for alcohol-free products.

.
Large amounts of alcohol will make your skin too dry. If you can’t decide between gel and spray, it’s better to try what suits you personally. Some gels leave a sticky effect and not everyone likes this.
Although in a difficult epidemiological situation this can be tolerated. The main thing is not to get infected.

Aseptic and antiseptic measures

Actions aimed at preventing infections from entering the wound and the human body as a whole include: carrying out wet cleaning and regular ventilation in wards and other rooms; sterilization of instruments and devices used by orderlies, nurses and doctors, equipping operating rooms with special ventilation systems, as well as the use of sterile material. To eliminate infection for the purpose of therapy and prevention, bactericidal agents and antibiotics of general or local effect are used, bandages are applied and special solutions are used, wounds are opened and treated, foreign objects and dead tissue are removed from the wound cavity. Antiseptics and septic tanks in medicine are mutually exclusive (septic tanks are rotting). To prevent infection, everything that touches a traumatic or surgical wound must be sterile.

Criticism and new methods

Lemaire's method found many supporters, but there were also opponents. What is an antiseptic in medicine when it comes to carbolic acid? This substance has a toxic effect on the patient’s tissues and organs, the surgeon’s hands, and the respiratory system (the solution was supposed to be sprayed in the operating room). This has led some surgeons to question the value of this method.

A quarter of a century later, the aseptic method replaced it, the results of which were so impressive that some doctors even began to abandon antiseptics. But over time, it became clear that in surgical practice one cannot do without antiseptics. Soon, several new agents were proposed, much less toxic than carbolic acid. Gradually, antisepsis became closely intertwined with asepsis. Currently, surgery is unthinkable without the unity of these two disciplines.

Benefits of using skin disinfectants

Among the main advantages of the funds are:

Compactness - the antiseptic easily fits into a woman’s bag or backpack. Does not require thorough rinsing with water
Reliable destruction of microorganisms - perfectly fights harmful microbes, bacteria, parasites
Harmlessness
Relatively low cost
Nice smell
Vitamin content for skin.

On the counter you can find a large assortment of antiseptics. When purchasing, you need to pay special attention to the composition of the product.

Many antiseptics have almost the same composition. They differ only in some components.

Definition of antiseptics

What is antiseptics in medicine?
Doctors and medical students know the definition by heart. This is a set of therapeutic and preventive measures carried out with the aim of destroying or significantly reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms in the wound or the patient’s body as a whole. In the pre-antiseptic period, about 80% of patients died after operations due to putrefactive, gangrenous and purulent complications. Now (thanks to the use of antiseptics and aseptic methods) this can be avoided. Antiseptics began to develop in the second half of the nineteenth century with the publications of J. Lister; in 1890, a new method was proposed by the German scientist Bergman, some of whose recommendations are still used today. Nowadays, many new methods of asepsis and antisepsis, as well as safe disinfectants, have appeared. In the last 25 years, methods for sterilizing dressings and medical instruments have begun to be introduced more widely.

The origins of antisepsis in surgery

Medieval doctors could only guess what an antiseptic was in medicine. Before the advent of modern drugs, only the mechanical method was widely used according to the principle: “If you see pus, let it out.” After the publication of J. Lister's work in 1867, the widespread use of antiseptics in medicine began.