Antiseptics

Antiseptics are chemical agents used for disinfecting purposes, mostly in the form of solutions.They are expected to reduce the number of bacteria to a safe minimum, but they do not destroy all microorganisms.

In preparing an antiseptic solution for use on the body always use boiled water and a clean container that has been rinsed with boiled water.Lysol or CN , one teaspoon to a quart of water, is a good antiseptic for kitchen and bathroom floor, toilet bowls, sinks and other wood, metal or porcelain surfaces.

You need not use boiled water for these non-human antiseptic purposes.Chlorox used according to directions is also excellent. A teaspoonful of boric acid to a glass of water makes a mild antiseptic useful both as an eyewash with the regulation eyecup and in the form of compresses when the eye is infected, or when the skin is cut, bruised or abraded.

A one percent solution of chlorazene, using 8 five-grain tablets to an 8 ounce glass of boiled water, is good for infected skin wounds on any part of the body, or for washing out an unclean fresh wound and then applying a dressing soaked in the same antiseptic

Never use chlorazene in the eyes or body cavities .Like boric acid, chlorazene tablets dissolve mmore quickly in hot water.Chlorazene solution makes a suitable disinfectant for your toothbrush after rinsing it.

For quick disinfection of cuts and wounds, a 2 or 4 % solution of mercurochrome is better than iodine.Iodine has produced severe skin burns, it is best not to have it around the house.

Alcohol satisfactorily disinfects the healthy skin. The 70 % or 80 % ethyl and isopropyl alcohols (rubbing alcohol) are equally suited for all practical purposes in the home