Differences Between Antiseptic and Disinfectant, Able to Prevent the Corona Covid-19 Virus

Kapanlagi.com - The number of positive corona patients or covid-19 is increasing day by day. Various efforts are being made to prevent the spread of the corona virus. Prevention is done starting from the use of antiseptics and disinfectants. So what is the difference between antiseptics and disinfectants? 

Many people have used both of these materials to prevent the corona outbreak. However, many people do not yet know the use of these two materials.

Basically, antiseptics and disinfectants are indeed used to kill viruses. However, the way they are used is different even though both are used for cleaning liquids. Let's take a look at the discussion about the difference between antiseptics and disinfectants below.

1. Antiseptic

Antiseptic (credit: pixabay)

Antiseptic is a chemical compound used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissues such as the skin surface. Antiseptics are used for the body, unlike disinfectants which are used for inanimate objects.

Antiseptics are safer to use on living tissues. The use of antiseptics is highly recommended during disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 to slow down the spread of the disease.

2. Uses of Antiseptics

According to healthy line, antiseptics are commonly used for the following purposes:

- Antiseptics are used as hand cleansers. The use of antiseptics on hands can clean them from disease-causing microorganisms.

- Antiseptics can eliminate germs on mucous membranes. Antiseptics can be applied to the urethra, bladder, or vagina. Antiseptics can also treat infections in these areas.

- Antiseptics can be used to cleanse the skin before surgery. This is done to protect the skin from harmful microorganisms on the skin.

- Antiseptics can treat skin infections, such as minor wounds and burns.

- They are used to treat throat and mouth infections. Some throat lozenges contain antiseptics to help alleviate sore throat caused by bacterial infections.

3. Disinfectant

Antiseptic (credit: pixabay)

Disinfectant is a chemical used to prevent infection or as a medicine to kill germs and diseases. Disinfectant is used on the surfaces of inanimate objects such as tables, door handles, cabinets, sinks, and others.

Unlike antiseptics, disinfectants do not have penetrating power, so they are unable to kill microorganisms that are present in crevices or mineral contamination.

4. Uses of Disinfectant

According to Hello Sehat, disinfectants are divided into 2 types, namely disinfectants used in hospitals and disinfectants for general use.

Disinfectants in hospitals are used to control the spread of infections and to sterilize medical equipment, floors, walls, and others. Meanwhile, disinfectants used for general purposes are usually used to sterilize table surfaces, floors, and so on.

Here are the uses of disinfectants that you need to know:

- Disinfectants are commonly found in floor cleaners, kitchen cleaners, and household cleaners. Disinfectants are used to clean and kill germs on inanimate objects.

- Disinfectants function as liquids that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms and are not harmful to health.

- Disinfectants are more effective in killing microorganisms compared to other cleaning liquids.

5. Side Effects of Antiseptics and Disinfectants

Side effects of antiseptics and disinfectants (credit: freepik)

Although effective in killing germs and disease-causing viruses, some types of antiseptics and disinfectants with strong concentrations can cause several side effects such as skin burns if not diluted with water or other fluids first. 

Irritation caused by antiseptic or disinfectant substances is called contact dermatitis or inflammation in the form of itchy rashes and redness on the skin due to direct contact with certain substances. If you use antiseptics to clean wounds, it is advisable to limit their use only for minor wounds.

Do not use antiseptics and disinfectants if you have wounds in the eye area, wounds caused by human and animal bites, deep and large wounds, severe burns, and wounds caused by foreign objects lodged in the skin.

The disinfectant glutaraldehyde has side effects such as:

-Nausea

-Headache

-Blocked airways

-Asthma

-Rhinitis, or inflammation or irritation in the inner lining of the nose. Marked by symptoms of cold, stuffy nose, and sneezing.

-Eye irritation, or itchy and red eyes causing irritation.

-Dermatitis, inflammation of the skin causing redness, itching, peeling, scaling, and even swelling.

-Skin discoloration or changes in skin color.

Therefore, disinfectant fluids are more toxic and not recommended for application or use on the skin or other living tissues. This can cause skin irritation.

Currently, antiseptics and disinfectants are in high demand to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, the availability of antiseptics and disinfectants is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Therefore, it is not a bad idea to make your own antiseptics and disinfectants as a solution to the scarcity of these materials.

(kpl/dtm/gen)