What is the Difference Between Antiseptic & Antibiotic Wound Care?
Chances are your medicine cabinet is filled with ointments and creams in the unfortunate case of a cut or scrape. When choosing the proper topical treatment, you may question the ingredients and differences between an antibiotic and an antiseptic.
In this article, you'll learn the difference between antiseptic and antibiotic wound care and why antiseptic options may be the most suitable to prevent allergic reactions and protect against further infection.
What are Topical Antiseptics?
Over-the-counter topical antiseptics are a group of agents used to clean and disinfect wounds. They kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the skin. These antiseptics are available in liquids, gels, or creams and are applied topically to the skin. Common antiseptic agents include hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and povidone-iodine.
What are Topical Antibiotics?
Topical antibiotics are ointments, gels, and creams used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Unlike topical antiseptics, topical antibiotics kill infections directly by inhibiting their bacterial growth. They are most often applied topically to the wound. While a doctor prescribes most antibiotics, often only used for bacterial infections, not viral or fungal infections, you can find certain topical antibiotics over the counter. It is important to note that many people are unknowingly allergic to ingredients in topical antibiotics such as neomycin and bacitracin.
Antiseptics Vs. Antibiotics
One of the main differences between antiseptics and antibiotics is how they work. Antiseptics kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin's surface, while antibiotics kill the infection caused by a bacteria directly. This means that while antiseptics are best for cleaning the area and preventing infections, antibiotics treat infections that have already occurred. Simply put, antiseptics are preventative, and antibiotics are a treatment.
Another big difference between antiseptics and antibiotics is their side effects. Antiseptics have minimal side effects, while antibiotics are likely to cause more severe side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, and rashes. This is due to the presence of neomycin and bacitracin. It's also important to note that if you use too many antibiotics, your body can build up resistance to them, making them ineffective. Antibiotics should be used sparingly for maximum effect.
Why Topical Antiseptics Are Better for Wound Care Than Topical Antibiotics
While topical antiseptics and antibiotics each have their own advantages and disadvantages, it's essential to understand their differences when treating wounds. Here are just a few reasons why antiseptics may be better than antibiotics for most people:
- Prevent Infections: If the wound is fresh or recent, antiseptics can clean and disinfect the area, preventing any infection or the spreading of bacteria. Antiseptics may be your best option if you risk developing a disease or have a weakened immune system.
- Few Side Effects: Antiseptics are much safer than antibiotics and do not have as many side effects as the prescribed medication. For this reason, there is minimal risk of side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and rashes.
- Your Body Won't Build Up Resistance: Overusing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antiseptics kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the skin surface rather than attacking the infection directly. Over time, your body will build up resistance to antibiotics, which will be less effective, requiring a higher dosage.
- More accessible to Use: Antiseptics are, in general, easier to use and come in a variety of forms, including gels, creams, and liquids. They also do not typically need to be prescribed by a doctor like antibiotics.
The Best Antiseptics for Wound Treatment
When it comes to wound care, it’s essential to know the differences between medications and treatment options. There are many products on the market to help treat wounds. While a physician or doctor prescribes most antibiotic treatments, antiseptics are available over the counter. NuNature First Aid Gel is an antibiotic-free solution to minor wound care. NuNature First Aid Gel is easy and practical and provides immediate pain relief with lidocaine. Apply to cuts, scrapes, and burns to help prevent infections without the risk of allergic reactions or other hazardous side effects.
