Top OTC Antiseptics for Open Wounds

Iodine, peroxide, and biguanides are effective and safe over-the-counter antiseptics for home wound treatment. Mild wounds usually do not require antiseptic treatment, and can be safely disinfected with soap and water. More severe wounds, such as those that go deeper than a quarter-inch, necessitate medical assistance.

Fremont, CA: The FDA has identified 24 potentially hazardous antiseptic chemicals. However, only one is still an active constituent used in healthcare antiseptics today: triclosan. Although scientists have yet to demonstrate explicitly that these substances cause harm, insufficient evidence supports their use, and the long-term effects are unknown. Even safe antiseptics, such as isopropyl alcohol, can promote cytotoxicity in the wound over time, eroding good cells and slowing healing, according to recent research. Because of their potency, specialists only advocate using antiseptics when required or when there is a genuine risk of infection. Remember that minor wounds and scrapes will heal without the need for antiseptics; antibacterial soap will suffice. All antiseptics work to disinfect the skin. However, a handful is both FDA-approved and mainly developed to treat open wounds, such as: