Most individuals ignore minor damage such as cuts or scratches. But it is worthwhile to understand that rather serious bacteria can penetrate through these small cuts. That is why it is important to treat any wounds with antiseptic agents. When there are no such funds at hand, you can use special napkins. They are simple and convenient. Consider the features of the use of antiseptic alcohol wipes, their types and characteristics.
Types of medical wipes
Special wipes are often used in medicine as a sorbent in the treatment of wounds or cavities, for hygienic patient care or for sanitizing the work table before surgery.
Varieties of napkins used in medicine:
- sterile - are most often used in surgery during dressings, wound treatment, or during operations;
- non-sterile - quickly absorb moisture and remove various bacteria, are used to maintain cleanliness in a medical facility, but do not completely sanitize the space;
- alcohol - contain 70% solution of ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, are used locally for disinfection of the place before surgery or injection, sanitization of instruments;
- antiseptic - these are wipes that are sterile and contain alcohol, are used to disinfect the surface of the skin;
- Dental - they are sterile, they do not have allergens, these are dry wipes of an ergonomic shape that protect the patient’s clothes and body from dirt during dental treatment.
In order to preserve the protective properties of, for example, sterile alcohol antiseptic wipes, it is worth storing them in a hermetically sealed container or individual bags.
The concept
These are universal tools that are used to treat wounds, hands of medical staff before surgery, for making injections, blood sampling, surgical intervention, as well as for sanitizing medical instruments before use. They are small in size and suitable as an antiseptic during emergency situations when there is no antibacterial agent at hand.
An alcohol antiseptic napkin from a nonwoven material contains a 70% solution of ethyl alcohol, which is a traditional antiseptic and does not cause allergic reactions. They are sold in packages, but each napkin is folded separately and hermetically closed. It is better to use it immediately after opening the package, otherwise over time it loses all its useful properties.
Scope of application
In medicine, antiseptic alcohol wipes are used for local external skin treatment. They have sterilizing and antibacterial properties.
Antiseptic alcohol wipes are recommended for:
- personal hygiene;
- preparation for surgery;
- hand disinfection;
- injection or blood sampling;
- processing medical instruments and various surfaces.
Such napkins are used not only by medical institutions, but can become indispensable helpers at home. They are used to wipe places where dust and dirt often gather (computer mouse, door handles, telephone). They can become indispensable assistants when traveling or on a hike.
Depending on the type of wipes, they have such properties as hygienic, protective, drainage, sorbent, hemostatic and antibacterial. They also have standard sizes: 160 × 140 mm, 450 × 300 mm and 700 × 680 mm, there are alcohol antiseptic wipes 60x100 mm.
They are also actively used in cosmetology to treat the skin before a certain procedure. They are intended for external use, are not used to treat the mucous membrane or open wounds. Most often, the package contains 100 pieces or more, and the shelf life of unopened packages is five years.
What are antiseptic wipes made of?
Antiseptic alcohol wipes may contain various components, depending on the purpose and cost. Most often they are made of eco-friendly non-woven materials based on spunbond or spunlace. The latter option is used in expensive wipes, which are of high quality.
Products are packaged in a package of multilayer composite material, their sterilization is carried out according to approved state standards. All information is contained on the packaging.
Antiseptic alcohol wipes for injections are impregnated with liquids containing alcohol. Thanks to this, there is no need to just use alcohol and cotton wool when there is already a finished product. In addition, it has not only cleansing properties, but also antibacterial. Pure alcohol is diluted and therefore does not cause allergies or irritation to the skin.
Varieties of alcohol wipes
Alcohol wipes can be of different types, since they are interchangeable, but only in emergency situations, since it is still better to follow the instructions for use.
Types of alcohol wipes:
- ordinary - used to disinfect hands when there is no soap (for example, while traveling), but they are non-sterile and do not have antibacterial properties, therefore, they are not recommended for the treatment of open injuries;
- conventional medical - purchased by medical institutions in large bundles to maintain surface cleanliness, disinfect medical instruments and treat skin integuments;
- antiseptic - alcohol antiseptic wipes disinfect the skin before injections, and also provide increased protection against microorganisms;
- sterile - used in a room where there is a high probability of viral or biological contamination.
Pros and cons
According to consumer reviews, alcohol antiseptic wipes clean surfaces well and have antibacterial properties. They have not only advantages, but also disadvantages. Due to the alcohol content, they greatly dry the skin, removing the protective barrier, and also destroy latex and rubber. Negative factors can be reduced by adding distilled water or benzene alcohol to their composition. Also, users note that such products can damage expensive equipment with frequent and active use.
Pros of alcohol wipes:
- used to solve everyday problems and make cleaning easier;
- affordable, you can buy them at any pharmacy or supermarket, antiseptic alcohol wipes “Aseptics” are popular;
- easy to use;
- quality products are tested in a clinical setting and often cost more;
- the alcohol that is contained in the napkin and enters the skin quickly evaporates, thereby minimizing the risk of secondary contamination of the area;
- the shelf life of napkins in sealed packaging is five years.
Conclusion
Antiseptic alcohol wipes are quite popular and are used not only as a personal hygiene item in traveling conditions, but also in medical institutions. This is confirmed by consumer reviews. Depending on the type and type, they can perform different functions. You can buy a convenient antiseptic in any pharmacy.