Answer: Antiseptics, or skin disinfectants, are chemicals for cleaning the skin and wounds. They can kill or PREVENT the growth of microorganisms.

Some common types of antiseptics include:

alcohols, such as propyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol

Quaternary AMMONIUM compound

chlorhexidine and other diguanides, for use before operations

antibacterial dye, to TREAT BURNS and wounds

peroxide and permanganate, to disinfect the skin or to use as a mouthwash

halogenated phenol derivative, in soaps and solutions

quinine derivative, which treats wounds and can be an ingredient in throat lozenges

USES:

Antiseptics have several potential uses. Some of the most common include:

preventing infections on the skin, particularly for cuts, scrapes, or minor burns

dry hand-washing, which healthcare workers may do between different procedures or patients

cleaning the skin before a medical procedure, such as a BLOOD draw or surgery

treating throat infections with mouthwashes or lozenges

cleaning mucous membranes, to treat infections or before using a catheter