Abstract
An antiseptic is a chemical used in medicine to prevent wound infection and, subsequently, sepsis. They are used in wound care as a therapeutic as well as a preventive measure. Unlike antimicrobial therapeutics (antibiotics), antiseptics are applied to the surface of nonliving objects to destroy microorganisms that are living on the objects.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding authors
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Presterl, E., Diab-El Schahawi, M., Lusignani, L.S., Paula, H., Reilly, J.S. (2019). Basic Principles and Introduction to Disinfectants and Antiseptics for Skin, Mucosa, and Wounds. In: Presterl, E., Diab-El Schahawi, M., Reilly, J. (eds) Basic Microbiology and Infection Control for Midwives. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02026-2_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02026-2_6
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-02025-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-02026-2
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)