Antiseptic

Recently Answered

• QWhat effective, natural antiseptic can I use?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Mother Nature Network answered

  Yes, you can use an effective, natural antiseptic. It would be helpful to first distinguish antiseptics from antibiotics since the two are often referred to interchangeably: An antiseptic is a solution, commonly isopropyl rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, applied to the skin that kills microorganisms and prevents infection. An antibiotic does pretty much the same thing-annihilates infection-causing microorganisms-but it works inside the body and is most often prescribed in pill form by a doctor à la penicillin. There are also topical antibiotic creams, like Neosporin, that are available over the counter.
  
  The first natural antiseptic that comes to mind is big in Australia: tea tree oil. A potent, broad-spectrum natural antiseptic, tea tree oil appears in all sorts of personal care products like shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste and more. For treating minor bites, burns, and bang-ups, go straight to the source and apply pure tea tree oil directly to the wound. Or, dilute it with a carrier oil and apply. Also, tea tree oil-based creams and ointments made specifically for antiseptic care may be a bit more up your alley since you’re used to working with packaged, pre-concocted remedies. Thursday Plantation is a reliable brand to keep an eye out for. And like tea tree oil, essential oils of lavender and eucalyptus are both miracle workers when it comes to healing skin irritations. Both lemon juice and honey have potent antiseptic properties, as does lemon balm.
  
  This may be a bit too esoteric for your liking, but if you grow thyme, carrots, garlic and other assorted veggies and herbs in your garden, you can use them for medicinal purposes. And two kitchen staples that you should already be using around the house for non-culinary purposes, baking soda and vinegar, can be used to treat “ouchies”.
• QShould I use hydrogen peroxide to treat wounds?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Manuel B. Torres, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Baptist Health South Florida

  This may be the most widely-accepted home remedy for cleaning or continuously treating a small wound. Hydrogen peroxide is common in medicine cabinets. It is a good first-aid for small cuts and scrapes. But does hydrogen peroxide effectively reduce bacteria that can turn minor wounds into a serious threat to your health? The answer is no.
  No antiseptic should be used to treat wounds. While chemical agents, such as those found in hydrogen peroxide, can kill some bacteria, they do more damage to healthy cells that are attempting to heal the wound. You’re recommended course of action is to carefully clean the wound with clear water.
  If dirt or debris remains in the wound after washing, use tweezers cleaned with alcohol to remove the particles. To clean the area around the wound, use soap and a clean washcloth. After you clean the wound, apply a thin layer of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream or ointment to help keep the surface moist. These products don’t make the wound heal faster, but they can discourage infection.
  Obviously, wounds that don’t heal or worsen in appearance after 24 hours should be seen by a doctor.
• QWhat are side effects of betaine?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  The most common side effect of betaine is nausea. Other side effects include drowsiness, headache, vomiting, confusion, abnormal behavior, seizures, and fainting. If you experience any side effects from betaine that worry or bother you, notify your doctor.  Betaine can cause allergic reactions that include skin eruptions; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; or difficulty breathing. If you experience an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical treatment.
  
• QWhat is betaine anhydrous?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Betaine anhydrous is a prescription drug that treats dangerously high levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that occurs naturally. However, if the levels of homocysteine in your blood are too high, it can cause blood clot formation in your blood vessels, brittle bones or other bone abnormalities and eye problems like nearsightedness or dislocation of the eye lens. High levels of homocysteine may also increase your risk of heart attack and heart disease. Betaine anhydrous works by decreasing homocysteine levels. This drug is sold under the brand name Cystadane.
  
  
• QWhat is betaine?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Betaine is a nutrient derived from the beet plant and sold over-the-counter. When taken in powder form, it reduces the amount of an amino acid called homocysteine in the bloodstream. Betaine is used to treat homocystinuria, a genetic condition in which the body cannot break down homocysteine, resulting in unhealthy levels of the acid, which can lead to heart and circulation issues. Betaine is sold under the name Cystadane.
  
  

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhat is Lugol's solution?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Lugol's solution, also called Strong Iodine solution, contains iodine 5% in solution and potassium iodide 10% solution.There are no FDA-approved indications for Lugol's solution at this time.
  
  The solution has been used to treat overactive thyroid conditions, iodine deficiency and to protect thyroid tissue from exposure to radioactive iodine.

  Because exposure to radioactive iodine can occur accidentally (as in the case of a nuclear accident) or purposefully (when a doctor prescribes a radioactive iodine medication), Lugol's solution may be prescribed before or after the exposure.
  
  

• QWhat should I know about Lugol's solution before taking it?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Lugol's solution (iodine and potassium iodide) is an oral solution used as adjunctive therapy for hyperthyroidism, used preoperatively in thyroid surgery and for iodine deficiency. Lugol's solution should not be used if you are sensitive to any of its ingredients (i.e. iodine).
  
  
• QWhat are the side effects of Lugol's solution?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Lugol's solution should not be used if you are sensitive to any of its ingredients (i.e., iodine). Some side effects can include: skin rashes, swelling of the salivary glands or "iodism" (metallic taste, gastric irritation, burning mouth and throat, sore teeth and gums, symptoms of a head cold). Contact your doctor if you believe you are experiencing side effects from this medication.
  
  
• QAre there any risks in taking Lugol's solution?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Lugol's solution taken by mouth poses a risk of side effects, such as stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, salivary gland swelling or tenderness. There is a risk of increased potassium blood levels if taken with certain diuretics (water pills). When used topically as an antiseptic, skin and clothing may become discolored.
  
  
• QWho should take Lugol's solution?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Lugol's solution is intended for people with thyrotoxicosis, congenital hyperthyroidism, anticipated radioactive iodine exposure, need of thyroidectomy and for those with iodine deficiency. Radioactive iodine exposure sources include nuclear power plants and radioactive iodine medications.