subject: Tips For Choosing An Effective First Aid Antiseptic [print this page] Not every first aid antiseptic works the sameNot every first aid antiseptic works the same. This is visible in the frightened eyes of any child who sees his parent reaching for the undiluted rubbing alcohol or iodine. Some are highly effective at killing germs, while others are only semi-effective and yet promise to be pain-free. The key to getting a great product is finding one that kills the most harmful micro-organisms without causing more agony than the wound that is being treated.
A cut is painful in and of itself. If left to its own devices the skin and the underlying tissues are pretty resourceful when it comes to healing. The problem however is that the external environment in which the skin exists is a veritable breeding ground for nasty bacteria that would love to find their way in. Once the skin barrier has been broken there is a high likelihood of infection.
For this reason, an untreated wound is not likely to heal without issues. Within the first day after the cut or scrape is obtained the wound itself and the likely area is liable to red, inflamed and extremely painful to the touch. The area is also likely to have a feverish tinge that is a sure sign of infection.
An antiseptic is used to cleanse the wound of invading microorganisms. Once the wound has been washed with water or a sterile solution the antiseptic is applied. A clean, durable bandage is placed over the area and each time that the bandage is changed, a prudent parent or nurse will reapply the antiseptic solution.
Alcohol and iodine in their pure forms hurt. In addition to the almost unbearable stinging, iodine can be extremely messy. Because they are both effective killers of a vast array of germs however, it is always a good idea to purchase products that contain these active ingredients, but in which they have been sufficiently diluted.
Hydrogen peroxide is a common, pain-free solution that is used. The problem with hydrogen peroxide is that it does not always proved effective against numerous strains of bacteria that are commonly found in most areas. In this instance it would seem that the old adage "No pain, no gain" would apply. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide when continually applied to soft or damaged tissue can have a damning effect that works against the natural process of healing. When one application is sufficient and exposure is low, it can be a pretty worthwhile solution.
For larger, more lasting wounds however, and for those that are especially dirty, it is not the ideal application. One highly effective product that is both natural and safe is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil however is harmful to open skin in its natural state and should only be used when in products that have diluted the active ingredient to a sufficient level to allow for topical application to open wounds.
There are numerous products that are effective, safe and relatively pain-free. Online searching can reveal some of the best rated products available for home use. Self-treating major wounds is never recommended, however for the common scrapes and dings of life, its always safe to use an effective product to rid the area of invading and harmful organisms.
Tips For Choosing An Effective First Aid Antiseptic
