Antiseptics & Wound Cleansing

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Antiseptics & Wound Cleansing

Antiseptic solutions and wound cleansing products for clinics, hospitals, aged care facilities and first aid providers across Australia.

Not sure whether you need saline for wound irrigation or for injection? Read our guide: Sodium Chloride for Injection vs Irrigation: What's the Difference?

Cleansing a wound is not the same as disinfecting skin

These are two different jobs and they call for different products. Skin preparation disinfects intact skin before an injection, cannulation or procedure, and wants a fast-acting antiseptic with residual activity. Wound cleansing removes debris, slough and old exudate from a wound bed, and for most clean wounds that is done with normal saline or potable water rather than an antiseptic.

Antiseptics are not a routine wound cleanser. Several are cytotoxic to granulating tissue and fibroblasts at working concentration, so repeatedly pouring them into a clean, healing wound can slow it down. They earn their place on contaminated wounds, wounds with a high bioburden, and skin preparation. Where an antimicrobial effect is wanted in the dressing itself rather than the wash, a silver or DACC dressing is usually the better route.

Choosing a solution

Normal saline (sodium chloride 0.9%). Isotonic, non-toxic to tissue, the standard irrigation fluid. Single-use ampoules and pods avoid the contamination risk of a part-used bottle.

Chlorhexidine. Broad antibacterial action with useful residual activity on skin, which is why it is common in skin preparation and surgical scrub. Supplied alone and in combination with cetrimide. Product information carries specific warnings about contact with the eyes, the middle ear and neural tissue, so check the directions for the preparation you are using.

Povidone-iodine. Broad spectrum, with activity against bacteria, fungi and some viruses. Used in skin preparation and on contaminated wounds. Caution applies in thyroid disorders, in pregnancy and breastfeeding, in neonates, and with large-area or prolonged use. Again, follow the product information.

Alcohol-based skin preparation. Fast acting for injection and venepuncture sites. Must be allowed to dry before the skin is punctured, both for effect and because alcohol stings on broken skin.

Irrigation technique

Volume matters more than the agent. Use enough fluid to physically lift debris away, and enough pressure to dislodge it without driving contaminants deeper into the tissue. Warm the solution to room temperature where you can; cold fluid on a wound bed slows cellular activity and is uncomfortable.

Product Types

Povidone-iodine solutions: available in 15 ml, 100 ml and 500 ml presentations.
Chlorhexidine solutions: including chlorhexidine acetate and chlorhexidine with cetrimide.
Skin preparation: alcoholic skin preparation solutions.
Impregnated dressings: antiseptic-impregnated gauze dressings.
Irrigation: wound irrigation and cleansing sprays.

These products are therapeutic goods. Use them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the directions of a qualified clinician.