Antiseptics are chemical agents that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis or putrefaction from pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria or viruses. They are frequently used in medicine and surgery to disinfect skin before surgery and wounds. They are also useful in the home for treating minor cuts, scrapes and burns to prevent infection. This article discusses the importance of antiseptics, their discovery and development over time as well as commonly used antiseptic agents.
History of antiseptic discovery
The concept of Antisepsis emerged in the 19th century as an alternative to surgical techniques like autocompression used to handle infections. In 1867, British surgeon Joseph Lister published a paper arguing for the use of carbolic acid (phenol) to prevent infection in wounds and surgical sites. Lister's findings led to a significant reduction in surgical deaths and established antisepsis as an important strategy in medicine. Other key developments included:
- Innovation of stronger antiseptics like iodine in the 1870s
- Discovery of formaldehyde's antiseptic properties in the 1880s
- Introduction of antibiotics in the 1940s which reduced focus on antiseptics
- Growing interest in antiseptics again from 1980s with antibiotic resistance rise
Lister's work formed the foundation for more modern methods of infection prevention using antiseptics regularly in surgery and wound care. While antibiotics now dominate treatment of established infections, antiseptics remain critical for initial disinfection.
Commonly used antiseptic agents
Some of the most widely used antiseptic agents include:
- Phenols (carbolic acid): Powerful agent derived from coal tar, long history of use. Examples include phenol, hexachlorophene.
- Alcohols (ethyl or isopropyl alcohol): Broad-spectrum, rapid action but evaporates quickly. Used in hand sanitizers.
- Iodine: Effective and frequently used for surgical hand scrubs and wound disinfection. Examples are tincture of iodine, povidone-iodine.
- Chlorhexidine: Effective against bacteria and some viruses. Used in soaps, oral antiseptics and surgical hand washes.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Releases reactive oxygen molecules that destroy microbes. Used for minor cuts and scrapes.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds: General disinfectants found in soaps and cleaners. Examples are benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide.
Selection of specific antiseptic agents depends on the site of application, organism being targeted, resistance patterns and cost. Combination products containing multiple antiseptics may provide broader antimicrobial activity.
Mechanism of action and resistance concerns
Antiseptics exert their effects through different mechanisms that damage microbial cell structures:
- Phenols denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes
- Alcohols disrupt membranes through dehydration of cells
- Iodine disrupts cell proteins and DNA material
- Chlorhexidine exerts both membrane disruption and binding to microbial DNA
While antiseptics are less likely than antibiotics to face resistance concerns due to their ability to act on multiple cellular targets, some antimicrobial resistance has emerged over time. For example, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may show reduced susceptibility to certain antiseptics. Proper use of antiseptics according to product guidelines remains important to minimize resistance development risks. Researchers also work to develop novel agents that microbes have not yet encountered.
Ongoing role of antiseptics in healthcare
Despite increased antibiotic utilization, antiseptics continue fulfilling important functions in medical site disinfection and wound management due to certain advantages:
- Immediate and broad-spectrum effect against diverse microbes
- Does not require laboratory detection of causative organism
- Lower risk of developing antibiotic resistance compared to drugs
- More economical for certain disinfection purposes than antibiotics
Areas where antiseptics play a key role include pre-surgical skin preparation, managing dressings of chronic wounds and burns, catheter site care, hand hygiene and general surface disinfection in medical facilities. Emerging application areas also include new technologies like antiseptic-coated medical implants and antiseptic-containing wound dressings. With continued research, antiseptics will likely remain a relevant approach for infection control alongside antibiotic therapy in coming decades.
In summary, antiseptic agents have achieved enormous success since their introduction in reducing surgical complications and wound infections. While antibiotics dominate systemic infections treatment, antiseptics retain major utility for initial disinfection of breaks in skin/tissue and management of traumatic or surgical injuries. As resistance concerns rise, these topical antimicrobials continue serving an indispensable role through their multifaceted mechanisms, rapid and broad activity. Ongoing innovation also expands opportunities for novel antiseptic formulations. With proper usage guided by evidence, antiseptics will remain indispensable tools in the battle against pathogenic microbes.
Get more insights on Antiseptic
A rising demand to disinfect hospitals to restrict the spread of germs and infections are driving the demand for the market.Market Size – USD 17.97 Billion in 2019, Market Growth - CAGR of 6.6%, Market Trends – Increasing incidence of COVID-19.New York, December 09, 2020 - The global Antiseptics and Disinfectants Market is forecasted to reach USD 30.17 Billion by 2027, according to a new report by Reports and Data.
The report also aims to benefit the user by providing constructive data to gain insight into the market growth, size, and investment approaches.The key companies profiled in the market are: Reckitt Benckiser Group plc.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Cardinal Health, Johnson & Johnson, 3M, STERIS Plc, Bio-Cide International, Inc., Novartis AG, Becton, Dickinson and Company, and Nufarm LimitedFurther key findings from the report suggestChlorine compounds are used to disinfect surface areas, medical equipment, and bleaching materials.
The physical environment plays a very important role in the transmission of disease, and advanced technologies are used in healthcare facilities to reduce surface disinfection.
Ultraviolet surface disinfection is being regarded as one of the novel technologies with ample potential.Hospitals held a large share in the forecast period.
The risk of acquiring HAIs is high, and facilities have to maintain a clean, hygienic environment for the patient to recover.
