Chlorhexidine is probably the most widely used biocide in antiseptic products, in particular in handwashing and oral products but also as a disinfectant and preservative. This is due in particular to its broad-spectrum efficacy, substantivity for the skin, and low irritation.
The two most widely administered antiseptic surgical scrub agents in dermatologic surgery are chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine.
The most prevalent chlorine products in the United States are aqueous solutions of 5.25%–6.15% sodium hypochlorite (see glossary), usually called household bleach.
In our study, n-propanol was the most effective alcohol in reducing the aerobic skin flora at all skin sites tested. To achieve the same reduction as n-propanol, ethanol or isopropanol must be applied at higher concentrations or for longer times or both.
People should not apply isopropyl alcohol to the skin for any reason, as it can pass into the bloodstream and cause poisoning. Rubbing alcohol is better for use in first aid and to sterilize small objects or surfaces.
The most commonly used chemicals as primary disinfectants are chlorine, chlorine dioxide and ozone. Among them Chlorine is the most widely used primary disinfectant throughout the world.
As a first-aid antiseptic, betadine is composed of the active ingredient povidone-iodine. Doctors consider it safe for overnight use. It works effectively by slowly discharging iodine into the skin to kill active bacteria and fungi.
Chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine are the most common disinfectants used in preoperative skin preparation. However, there is no consistent conclusion regarding the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) and bacterial culture data.
Barbicide, an EPA registered product, is the most commonly used beauty salon disinfectant that kills germs and fungi. While regular alcohol can only kill certain germs, Barbicide is a higher grade disinfectant and kills viruses too. Barbicide comes as a concentrate solution that has to be mixed with water.
Hydrogen peroxide works by killing all bacteria. So, if you use it on your skin, it may also kill germs that help your healing process.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
A 4 % aqueous solution (Hibiclens®) is marketed for skin cleaning and preoperative surgical hand scrub. A 2 % solution in 70 % isopropyl alcohol (ChloraPrep®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for preoperative skin prep.
Milton® Sterilising Fluid (MSF) is a bleach solution that contains 2% NaOCL. It is recommended for use in antiseptic baths as it does not contain additional additives such as perfumes.
Hibiclens, the #1 pharmacist-recommended antibacterial soap,1 begins to kill germs on contact. Use Hibiclens as part of your post-operative skin care plan. A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place.
Peracetic acid. Peracetic acid (PAA) (CH3COOOH) is considered a more potent biocide than hydrogen peroxide, being sporicidal, bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal at low concentrations (<0.3%) (38).
Bleach is a strong and effective disinfectant – its active ingredient sodium hypochlorite is effective in killing bacteria, fungi and viruses, including influenza virus – but it is easily inactivated by organic material. Diluted household bleach disinfects within 10–60 minutes contact time (see Table G.
“Though bleach can be highly corrosive to surfaces, it is effective against C. diff and our goal is to help save people's lives.” As an alternative to bleach, some facilities are experiencing success in the fight against C. diff by using accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) products.
Effective hand hygiene kills or removes microorganisms on the skin and maintains hand health. Alcohol-based hand rub is the preferred method for decontaminating hands. Using alcohol-based hand rub is better than washing hands (even with an antibacterial soap) when hands are not visibly soiled.
CHLORINE.
Chlorine is the universal disinfectant, active against all microorganisms. It is generally served in the form of sodium hypochlorite, with different concentrations of free chlorine. As a general disinfectant for all types of laboratory work, a concentration of 1 g/l (1000 ppm) of free chlorine is used.
While the relative effectiveness of alcohol and bleach on bacteria and viruses does not vary greatly, it is important not to mix the two agents during cleaning.