Hydrogen peroxide is known for its use as an antiseptic for treating superficial wounds and cuts at home due to its disinfecting properties. However, there are many alternatives that can be used as a replacement for hydrogen peroxide to treat wounds and prevent infections, including over-the-counter medications and natural solutions.
These methods are useful, especially in cases of individual intolerance or lack of hydrogen peroxide on hand. Additionally, it is important to know how to make hand sanitizer at home so that you are always prepared for top-notch care. In this article we will look at a number of effective antiseptics, their properties and features of use at home, as well as how to make antiseptics yourself.
Alternative antiseptics for the treatment of wounds
- Uses of iodine and its varieties: Iodine is a powerful antiseptic that is effective against a wide range of microorganisms. Sold as a tincture and solution for external use. In some cases, the use of iodine may be preferable to peroxide, but it should be used carefully due to the possibility of burns and skin irritation.
- Chlorhexidine – a modern alternative: Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that offers long-term antimicrobial effect. It is less aggressive than iodine and hydrogen peroxide, which makes it a good choice for sensitive skin.
Natural antiseptics: from infusions to oils
In addition to pharmaceutical preparations, in At home, you can use natural remedies:
- Honey and its healing properties: Honey is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. To clean wounds, natural, unprocessed honey is used, which contains enzymes that promote healing.
- Aloe vera as a natural antiseptic: Aloe vera juice helps accelerate wound healing and has antibacterial activity. li>
- Essential oils with antiseptic effect: Some essential oils, such as tea tree or lavender, can be used to treat wounds due to their antiseptic properties. They must be diluted before application to avoid skin irritation.
In addition to these natural remedies, it is possible to make your own hand sanitizers using available materials. Let’s look at how to make hand sanitizer at home using alcohol and glycerin, keeping in mind the correct proportions of alcohol and glycerin hand sanitizer for effective and safe use.
| Solution | Antiseptic properties | Method of application |
|---|---|---|
| Iodine | Powerful, can cause burns | Apply carefully to the affected area |
| Chlorhexidine | Long action, gentle on the skin | Apply to the wound area, does not require rinsing |
| Honey | Natural antiseptic properties | Cover the wound with a thin layer of natural honey |
| Aloe vera | Promotes tissue regeneration | Apply aloe juice to the wound |
| Essential oils | Antiseptic properties when diluted | Use diluted for topical use |
Household disinfectants
- Alcohol and solutions based on it: Medical alcohol quickly destroys bacteria and is suitable for disinfecting wounds. It should be preferably 70% concentration for best effect. Also, when it comes to how to make a disinfectant solution at home, alcohol is the main ingredient.
- Vinegar as a disinfectant: A weak solution of vinegar can be used to treat wounds, but it should be used carefully and diluted to avoid irritation.
Precautions when using antiseptics
- Always check the expiration date of the antiseptic, as outdated products may lose their disinfectant properties and become useless or even dangerous.
- Use antiseptics strictly for their intended purpose; Some products are for external use only and may be toxic if swallowed.
Make sure the hands and tools you use to treat the wound are thoroughly cleaned. Avoid contact with eyes and do not swallow antiseptics. When using the product, follow the instructions and do not exceed the recommended amount.
Before using a new product, test on a small area of skin. If you notice redness, itching, swelling or other signs of an allergy, stop using the antiseptic immediately.
If the antiseptic is ingested, you should immediately seek medical help. Do not try to induce vomiting yourself, but have the victim drink several glasses of water or milk to dilute the ingested substance.
Conclusion: Choosing the right antiseptic for your home
The choice of antiseptic should be based on individual needs, wound type and personal preference. If you are faced with an urgent need to treat a wound, but do not have hydrogen peroxide on hand, you have several alternative options. Determine what products are available to you and choose the one that best suits you, based on your knowledge of each product’s properties and safety precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can I use hand sanitizer? for treating wounds?
Answer: Although many hand sanitizers have disinfectant properties, not all are suitable for direct application to an open wound. For example, antiseptics with high alcohol content can cause irritation. Use products specifically formulated for treating wounds.
Question 2: Can hydrogen peroxide be used on deep wounds?
Answer: Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for deep wounds because it may cause damage. healthy tissue and slow down the healing process. For deep or serious wounds, seek professional medical attention.
Question 3: Can antiseptics be used to treat burns?
Answer: Some antiseptics can be used to treat superficial burns, but Large area burns or deep burns will require specialized treatment. Always consult your doctor first.
Question 4: How to make hand sanitizer at home from alcohol and glycerin?
Answer: To make hand sanitizer at home, you can mix the 2 parts alcohol (concentration 70% or higher) with 1 part glycerin and add a little water to dilute to the desired concentration. This mixture will be effective in keeping your hands free of germs.
Question 5: What proportions of alcohol and glycerin hand sanitizer are safest to use?
Answer: World Health Organization standard recommendation for hand sanitizer antiseptic involves the use of approximately 75% isopropyl alcohol or 80% ethanol mixed with glycerin and water. The ratio of alcohol to glycerin should be approximately 8:1 or 9:1.
