There are two general categories of antiseptics: rubs and washes.
This article discusses examples of antiseptics, their safety, and when their use should be avoided.
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What Does an Antiseptic Do?
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When used as a consumer product, antiseptics typically protect the user.
Some antiseptic agents used in healthcare products are not available in consumer products.
This is due to insufficient data to support their safety and effectiveness.
Antiseptic soaps and bodywashes should be used with water and rinsed off afterward.
How Safe Are Antiseptics?
While antiseptics are usually well tolerated, topical antiseptics can cause irritation and allergic reactions such ascontact dermatitis.
Antiseptics are also sometimes used to treat some infections.
Antiseptics contain many different chemical agents, all of which are subject to FDA regulations.
Antiseptics come in many forms, including soaps, sanitizers, creams, sprays, and wipes.
Although generally considered safe, some topical antiseptics can cause allergic skin reactions.
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