Question

How do antiseptics differ from disinfectants? Give one example.

Answer 1

Antiseptic:

1. An antiseptic is a substance.
2. It is used to stop or slow down the growth of microorganisms.
3. They're frequently used in hospitals and other medical settings.
4. It is mainly used to reduce the risk of infection during surgery and other procedures.
5. It is an antimicrobial substance.
6. It is applied on the skin or wounds, cuts, ulcers, and other infected surfaces.
7. Isopropyl alcohol, iodine, antibacterial dye, and halogenated phenol derivatives are examples of antiseptics.

Disinfectants:

1. Disinfectants are chemicals that destroy disease-causing pathogens or other harmful microorganisms.
2. They are chemical substances.
3. They are used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces.
4. Glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, and chlorine compounds are examples of disinfectants.

The major difference between antiseptics and disinfectants is:

Antiseptics	Disinfectants
1. Antiseptic is applied to the body.	1. Disinfectants are used on nonliving surfaces.
2. In a surgical setting, for example, a doctor will apply an antiseptic to the surgical site on a person's body.	2. The doctor uses a disinfectant to sterilize the operating table.