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- Dictionaryantiseptic/ˌantɪˈsɛptɪk/
adjective
- 1. preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms: "garlic has powerful antiseptic properties" Similar Opposite
- 2. scrupulously clean or pure, especially so as to be bland or characterless: "their squeaky-clean home epitomizes this antiseptic respectability" Similar Opposite
noun
- 1. an antiseptic compound or preparation: "the inappropriate use of antiseptics"
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An antiseptic is a chemical agent that slows or stops the growth of microorganisms on external surfaces of the body and helps to prevent infection. Antiseptics should be distinguished from antibiotics, which destroy microorganisms inside the body; and from disinfectants, which destroy microorganisms found on inanimate (non-living) objects.
Boils present as one or more tender red spots, lumps or pustules. Careful inspection reveals that the boil is centred on a hair follicle. A boil is a deep form of bacterial folliculitis; superficial folliculitis is sometimes present at the same time. Staphylococcus aureus can be cultured from the skin lesions.
An antibacterial soap or handwash includes ingredients with active antimicrobial activity. Triclosan has been the most common active antiseptic ingredient used in these products since their introduction in the 1960s. Plain soaps do not contain these ingredients or make claims of being active against harmful microbes.
For localised non-bullous impetigo, application of antiseptic 2–3 times per day for 5–7 days is recommended (e.g. hydrogen peroxide 1% cream or povidone — iodine 10% ointment). Topical antibiotics such as fusidic acid or mupirocin are effective in treating non-bullous impetigo, however, their use may not be recommended in some countries due to bacterial resistance.
Wound cleansers are rinsing solutions used to remove foreign materials on a wound surface and its surrounding skin. Wound cleansers are a cost-effective means to promote wound healing and reduce the infection rate. However, routine cleansing may also remove products and tissues that are essential for wound healing, such as regenerating ...
Angular cheilitis may result in the following symptoms and signs at the corners of the mouth: Painful cracks/ fissures worse on mouth opening. Blisters, erosions, oozing, crusting. Redness (or pallor /darkening of the skin in some cases) Bleeding. It is usually bilateral and symmetrical, however, it can occur on one side.
Acute paronychia. Acute paronychia develops rapidly over a few hours, and usually affects a single nail fold. Symptoms are pain, redness and swelling. If herpes simplex is the cause (herpetic whitlow), multiple tender vesicles may be observed. Sometimes yellow pus appears under the cuticle and can evolve to abscess.
It is uncommon to experience side effects from using hand rub. Evidence shows that hand rub is less damaging to the skin than soap and water. However potential skin reactions from hand rubs include: Irritant contact dermatitis. A brief stinging sensation if skin is dry or cracked. Allergic contact dermatitis, usually to a preservative.
Gentian violet is an antiseptic dye that has been in use since 1890. The name is due to its colour — it is not made from gentian or violet flowers. Gentian violet has antifungal and some antibacterial activity and has traditionally been used as a topical treatment for a variety of dermatological conditions.
Recommended treatment includes careful hygiene, antiseptic cleanser or cream, antibiotic ointment, or oral antibiotics. Spa pool folliculitis is due to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in warm water. Gram-negative folliculitis is a pustular facial eruption also due to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or other similar ...
