The Best Antiseptic for Open Wounds First Aid (2024)

For moderately severe open wounds, the safest and most effective over-the-counter (OTC) antiseptics include iodine, biguanides, and peroxides.

• alcohols, such as isopropyl alcohol
• biguanides, such as chlorhexidine
• iodine
• peroxides
• halogenated phenols

Are antiseptics safe to use on open wounds?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers some antiseptics to be safe to use on open wounds, while it considers ingredients in other OTC options to be potentially unsafe.

When to seek medical care

• burns or deep wounds, more than a quarter-inch deep
• large wounds or burns (i.e., those that may need to be stitched shut)
• wounds with excessive bleeding or that won’t stop bleeding after about 5 minutes of pressure
• any situation where a foreign object is embedded in the skin, especially rust
• any wound with signs of a serious infection (e.g., redness, pain, or pus)
• animal bites or scratches
• eye wounds

What are the best over-the-counter antiseptics for open wounds?

• Biguanides: These include chlorhexidine (Corsodyl, Covonia, Dermol, etc.). You can purchase these over the counter, and you can use them to prevent open wounds from becoming infected. They’ve been used for over 30 years in clinical settings and are often used in medical-grade hand washes, for wound cleaning, or for surgical skin prep.
  • They’re also specifically ideal for treating mouth infections, sore throats, and skin infections. They come in the form of lozenges, mouthwashes, dental gels, and skin creams and lotions.
• Peroxides: These are mild antiseptics, such as hydrogen peroxide, and can be used to prevent infection with minor scrapes, burns, and cuts. They may also sometimes be used as a mouth rinse to treat issues like cold sores. However, they’re insufficient for deeper wounds.
• Iodine combined with povidone (like Betadine): This has a reputation as one of the most effective antiseptics for reducing the risk of infection for over a century. It has powerful antimicrobial action and low toxicity, and it works well to disinfect most mild to moderate wounds.

What is the fastest way to heal an open wound?

1. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap or use clean, disposable gloves.
2. Rinse the wound with clean water or a water/saline solution to flush away dirt and debris.
3. Clean the wound with water and a gentle antibacterial soap. If necessary, use tweezers to remove any remaining debris.
4. Disinfect the wound with antiseptic, if necessary. For milder wounds, soap and water may be sufficient to disinfect the site. If you apply antiseptic, use a clean cotton pad or wound gauze to gently clean the area surrounding the wound. You don’t need to apply the solution directly to the wound unless instructed by a doctor.
5. Apply ointment to seal and protect the wound. An antibiotic cream, like Neosporin, may be used for extra antibacterial action, but Vaseline or another petroleum jelly-based product will also help protect the site.
6. Bandage the wound to keep germs out, either with an adhesive bandage or a dressing and tape. Remember that deeper wounds may require stitches. If the wound is infected or appears to be (i.e., it’s swollen), avoid using a bandage so it can breathe.
7. Repeat the process at least once a day, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation. Each time, check for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, or irritation. To promote healing and prevent scarring, avoid picking at any scabs.

Takeaway