Antiseptics refer to all the medical solutions that can help prevent infection. In most cases, first aid treatment involves the use of different types of antiseptics. In any first aid kit, you'll want to have at least one type of antiseptic on hand for the treatment of wounds. Here is a list of the main types of antiseptics used for first aid treatment:
- Cetrimide is a topical antiseptic recommended for minor abrasions, wounds and cuts.
- Polysporin is an antibiotic ointment designed to prevent infection of cuts, wounds, scrapes and promote the healing process. It comes as a triple antibiotic ointment as well on burns, scratches, and nicks.
- Benzalkonium Chloride is available as sting-free individual pads for cleaning skin and minor wounds. In case first aid treatment is required, this antiseptic can be successfully used to clean the hands prior to proceeding with patient care. The preps are individually packaged in foil sachets.
- Ozonol is a topical antiseptic that heals and protects injuries, such as cuts, burns, scrapes, chapping, chafing, and insect bites; it also relieves the associated pain and itching.
- Tincture of iodine is the classic antiseptic conventionally used in first aid treatment for a range of minor injuries, such as cuts and scratches.
- Green soap antiseptic is a liquid antiseptic used to clean and disinfect minor wounds. It comes in small bottles and can be applied using gauze pads.
- Hydrogen peroxide comes in bottles and is a topical antiseptic that can be used on cuts, sores, scratches, and ulcers. It is also good for oral hygiene. As first aid treatment, hydrogen peroxide comes in small bottles and can be applied with gauze pads. For convenience, alcohol prep pads are also available.
- Rubbing alcohol is sold usually in 250 ml bottles and can be used both as an antiseptic and rub solution. The alcohol cleans wounds, bruises, and abrasions and has a relieving action on soreness, stiffness, and sprains.
- Bactine spray is an antiseptic spray that can be effective for first aid treatment of sunburns, minor burns, insect bites, cuts, and scratches. It contains benlzalkonium chloride and lidocaine hydrochloride.
- Povidone Iodine is available in antiseptic prep pads that are usually used as a topical antiseptic with germicide action before and after surgery. It can be efficient for disinfecting the skin and scalp and preventing infection in case of minor burns, abrasions, and cuts. It comes in individually packaged pads containing 10% povidone iodine as active ingredient. The pads are non-stinging and non-irritating to the skin.
In addition to this list of antiseptics, you should also include antiseptic hand cleaner, moist towelettes, hand sanitizers, and antimicrobial hand soap in your first aid kit to prevent the spread of infection. The First Aid Zone offers all of these antiseptics and more in our online store.
