Antiseptit

Antiseptit refers to substances or preparations applied to living tissue to reduce the risk of infection by inhibiting growth or destroying microorganisms. They are used on skin, mucous membranes, and wounds to prevent microbial colonization. Antiseptit are distinct from disinfectants, which are intended for inanimate surfaces, and from antibiotics, which act systemically inside the body. In practice, antiseptit aim to provide rapid, local antimicrobial effects with minimal tissue damage.

Derived from Greek anti- ‘against’ and septic ‘putrefying’, the term broadly covers a range of chemical agents, including alcohols, phenolics, iodines, chlorhexidine, and hydrogen peroxide. They are used in healthcare, surgery, dentistry, and first aid, as well as in consumer products such as hand sanitizers and topical antiseptics.

Historical anchors include Joseph Lister's use of carbolic acid in the 1860s, which popularized antisepsis in surgery. Subsequent decades introduced povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, and alcohol-based preparations, each with different spectrum, onset, and tissue compatibility. More recently, alcohol-based gels and chlorhexidine mouthwashes have replaced some older formulations for routine hand hygiene and oral care.

Most antiseptit agents act by denaturing proteins, disrupting cellular membranes, or oxidizing cellular components. They typically have broad activity against bacteria, fungi, and many viruses, but limited sporicidal activity at practical concentrations. Resistance to antiseptit is possible, often through reduced exposure, biofilm formation, or efflux. They can be cytotoxic to human tissues at high concentrations and may irritate or stain skin and mucosa.

Applications include wound cleansing, preoperative skin preparation, hand antisepsis, and antiseptic mouthwashes. Safety hinges on appropriate concentration, contact time, and avoidance of sensitive tissues such as eyes. They are not substitutes for sterilization or systemic antibiotics when infection is present.