Buzz
First aid involves more than just cleaning a wound and covering it with a bandage. Drugstores are stocked with various products, including antibiotic creams like Neosporin, antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide, and other treatments. Here’s a breakdown of their differences.
While Mental Floss discusses anesthetics instead of antibacterials, there’s often confusion between antibiotics and antibacterials. Both are part of the broader antimicrobial category, which includes substances that combat microbes like bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. Antibacterials specifically target bacteria, whereas antibiotics can either kill or inhibit the growth of a wider range of pathogens.
For instance, Neosporin, a well-known antibiotic ointment, is effective for treating minor wounds but isn’t suitable for burns, infections, or deeper injuries, even though it contains Lidocaine, a pain-relieving agent. A key reminder about antibiotics is to avoid overuse, as this can lead to bacterial resistance.
Antiseptics, such as hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and iodine, are primarily used to prevent bacterial growth. They’re commonly applied to clean the skin before procedures like injections or to treat wounds. However, as previously mentioned, hydrogen peroxide can be too harsh for wounds, and most experts recommend soap and water for cleaning minor injuries.
Image by papertygre.
