An antiseptic is a disinfectant only (kills germs and viruses) while a detergent has soap like characteristics and will loosen dirt and debris. The quantitiy of disinfectant in povidone-iodine (betadine) scrub is significantly lower than in the solution as it is diluted with water during use.

Pete,

Are you looking for something for hand scrubbing and wound cleaning, or are you looking for something to put on a wound prior to applying a dressing? The reason I'm asking is because it is easy to get the terms antiseptic and antibiotic turned around sometimes. I am not a doctor, and probably get them turned around as much or more than others.

If you are looking for something for hand scrubbing, I'd recommend soap and hot water. It's hard to beat soap and water. For wound cleaning, betadine is good, but if memory serves, it stings, and will stain skin and clothing.

If your sister is going to be working with the Indian people, she may want to see if she will run into any cultural problems if she stains someone's skin, clothing or bedding. Things that we don't give a second thought in our culture could be really be frowned on in another culture.

If Betadine stings, adults may tolerate it, but you can bet that children will raise a ruckus. If your sister is going to be working with children or adults that have already been through the wringer (or would just prefer not getting hurt any more), something that does not sting may be preferable.

Personally, I like Bactine for cleaning wounds. It is available in bottles and also in individually-packed towelettes. Bactine has a pleasant scent, definitely not like a doctor's office (sorry, beachdoc), does not sting or stain, and it kills germs.

If you are looking for something to apply to the wound prior to applying a dressing, I'd recommend using something like Neosporin or Neosporin with Pain Relief. You can get them in tubes of various sizes. You can also get Neosporin in 1/32 ounce foil packets, which can be really handy. You may also be able to get the Neosporin with Pain Relief in the packets, but I was unable to find it when I was shopping for them. I like Neosporin because it kills bacteria and really promotes healing. I have read that one should avoid the triple antibiotics, as some people have allergic reactions to them. I agree with this, as I have seen someone break out in a rash due to using a triple antibiotic. It's bad enough to need the stuff in the first place without adding a rash to the problem!

Neosporin and other "triple antibiotics" containing neomycin should, IMO, be avoided due to the frequent incidence of contact allergy to the drug.

Likewise, medical professionals usually recommend AGAINST application of topical preparations containing a local anesthetic (solarcaine, etc) as they are very often sensitizing and of limited effectiveness.

beachdoc,

Thanks for the reply. I was unaware that Neosporin caused allergic reactions in some people.

beachdoc, why is peroxide not good for wounds? I do use it for that.

I know you asked Beachdoc, but thought I would throw my 2 cents in. From a bactericidal point of view, hydrogen peroxide is not very effective. My people think because bubbles are forming, that it is killing bacteria, the theory behind hydrogen peroxide, is that the release of nascent (free) oxygen (which is bactericidal) will kill organisms in or on the skin. Actually, very little nascent oxygen is produced, what little is produce, quickly dissipates. Where peroxide is used, are with some of the newer peroxide sterilizers, which are used to decontaminate sensitive equipment like microscopes. Hope this helps. By the way in your next post, the use of Benzalkonium Chloride is beneficial in wound care. Obviously Beachdoc may have some different views or additions to my comments. Pete

Good job, Pete!
I really have nothing to add. Benzalkonium used to be widely used, but isn't anymore. Don't know why.
Doubt that there is much value in anything on a bandaid that is antiseptic. I would use something like bacitracin ointment instead if you really feel a need to put something on a wound.

Got it, thanks. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Very interesting.

I used to hear as a kid that hydrogen peroxide was good for wounds, but that the value was to bubble out any dirt that was left in the wound. It seemed to make sense, but it may have just been a old wive's tale. Any comments?

The best way to get any dirt out of the wound is to use copious amounts ot water. H2O2 ( hydrogen peroxide) was used in the days where other antiseptics like chlorhexidine were not developed yet. I still remeber my old surgery tutor professing the uses of H2O2 on abscess cavities.
Now, we shy away from such chemicals as the peroxide tends to affect the new tissues growing up from the base of the wound.
Still useful as a hair bleach though......