IMPORTANT (cause I can't find it on the web): What's the most effective antiseptic for a cut?

Question

I read recently that although it is my favorite antiseptic (yes, I have a "favorite" antiseptic...), hydrogen peroxide is actually not as effective at killing bacteria as I thought. What I liked about it was the little hiss and bubbling that you'd see...you KNEW it was working...guess I got fooled.

So I started looking at: what's the best...the type of OTC antiseptic that was like the Spartan Army holding back the Persian hordes (sorry, just saw "300"). The ones I saw were:

-70% isopropyl
-91% isopropyl
-iodine
-tincture of iodine (it seems there's a difference)
-ethyl alcohol
-witch hazel
-something else?

I know my hydrogen p. is out of the running from what I read (sniff!).

Anyone knowledgeable know (we can skip the "wow, they all hurt like the dickens" answers)? From what little I could find on the web, it looks like ethyl alcohol, but I'd love someone to school me! Thanks!

Answer 1

True in its nature,alcohol of any kind will kill out any germs or bacterial buildup.But what I'm seeing listed above on your Q&A sounds pretty much like you have some of your answers already answered already(including your hydrogen peroxide,which doesn't have the reactional sting like alcohol,iodine,salt,ect.).But another thing to consider is how long,wide,and deep the cut is.In which I mean is if it is a life threating situation,in which the cut(s) are not clotting naturally.If this is the case,stay calm,tie a tourniquete above the wounded area to slow the bloodflow,then get to a place to receive medical attention immediatly.Also if possible,do not try driving yourself to the hospital,as you can pass out and make things worse than they are.Have a way of contacting Emergency Staffing on your person(s) at all times if you know it is needed and/or required to do so.Also,medical medicines that are usually picked up from pharmacies are only used as a means to dissenfect or slow down pain for a short time,NOT COMPLETELY CURE an infection of a cut.That's where people assume it's only merely a flesh wound,go on like nothing happened,and later on why they feel sick,scarred,or have rotting flesh areas on their bodies.Worse case scenarios would be gangrein,lockjawe,or having amputations done to the infected areas,if NOT TREATED PROPERLY and on time. People have also died from bloodloss,or went into states of shock depending on how an injury may have occured.But getting treatment from Professional Emergency workers is the best solution to a really bad cut or injury.

Answer 2

The effectiveness for any antiseptic depends on the particular germ that has been obtained. After a good soap and water wash, triple cream, Neosporin and a sterile dressing seems to do the best job on a multitude of cuts, burns, scrapes or rashes.
IMHO

Answer 3

Iodine is used to prevent infection. I'd use 70% isoprpyl and then put Neosporin on it to help it heal faster. Peroxide actually will keep the wound from healing, because it eats at the skin cells.

Answer 4

Dr. Tichenor's (this stuff is very stout if you can handle it it's the best).
One way that Dr. Tichenor's mouthwash concentrate is different than other products is that you can actually use Dr. Tichenor's as a first aid antiseptic. You can use it to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites.
http://www.shopinprivate.com/flosflossysw.html

Answer 5

You don't need an antiseptic. Here's first aid information from the Mayo Clinic:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-cuts/FA00042

Answer 6

The most effective one is tea tree oil. Peroxide and alcohol are to harsh for open wounds.

Answer 7

Was told by a doctor that the best way to clean a relatively minor wound is soap and water.

Go figure.

.

Answer 8

I always wash with soap and water, dry it off and apply some triple antibiotic. You can find it almost anywhere for 99 cents.

Answer 9

Bactine.

Answer 10

Mezcal tequila.. externally and internally ..

TEQUILA its whats for breakfast !