A wound must be disinfected to eliminate a maximum of germs and limit the risk of infection. Which disinfectant to choose? How to proceed without disinfectant? What are the natural solutions?
What is the best disinfectant for a wound?
The ideal disinfectant for a wound is defined by fast acting, broad spectrum of action (effective on many germs), practical packaging and good local tolerance. The best antiseptic for disinfecting a wound is therefore aqueous chlorhexidine (Dosiseptine®, Diaseptyl®, Septimyl®). It can be associated with other antiseptics increasing its effectiveness as in the specialties Mercrylspray® and Biseptine®. Other antiseptics have comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine, but there are several drawbacks to consider. First of all, iodinated antiseptics (Betadine dermique®) should not be applied to deep wounds or extended due to the passage of iodine in the blood likely to induce thyroid disorders. In addition, their coloring does not make it possible to follow the evolution of the wound. As it concerns chlorinated antiseptics (Dakin®), they are often irritating to the skin and their impractical packaging requires use in the form of washing or impregnated compresses. Finally, Hexomedine® has a low effectiveness on fungi and can cause tingling.
What to put on a wound with pus?
A weeping wound should be cleaned with warm water and soaprinsed with water to remove pus, dried then disinfected with an antiseptic. As a precaution, it is appropriate to choose a disinfectant that does not inactivate on contact with pus, such as Hexomedine®. For practical use, it is then recommended to affix an absorbent dressing such as a hydrofiber forming a gel in contact with the wound (Aquacel®) or a hydrocellular made of polyurethane foam (Mepilex border®). On a slightly or moderately oozing wound, it is possible to use instead of the dressing, a colorless drying solution (Cytelium®, Cicalfate® spray). The application is to be made just after cleaning the wound, 2 to 3 times a day. These solutions are less expensive than bandages and are practical in the event of multiple lesions on the body. Note that eosin is not recommended because of its coloring which hides the wound and risks concealing an infection if necessary.
Generally, washing with warm soapy water is enough to remove most germs present in a recent minor wound. She may be replaced with saline allowing superficial wounds to heal better. In this case, a whole pod is used, and the excess is removed with a compress. Cold water is not recommended as it delays healing. Contrary to popular belief, seawater does not have disinfectant properties, on the contrary it can be a source of pathogenic germs and irritate the skin.
What are the natural methods to disinfect a wound?
In addition to soapy water and saline, other natural methods exist to disinfect a scratch or a small wound:
► from lemon juice : in case of cuts, place a few drops directly in contact with the wound.
► from good quality organic honey : Apply a thin layer to the wound then cover it with a compress. A few drops of propolis tincture can be added if there is a risk of infection. The dressing should be changed daily.
► of thetea tree essential oil : 1 to 2 drops on the wound, to be diluted in 1 drop of vegetable oil for the most fragile skins.
Sources:
– Public drug database
– Guide to good practice in antisepsis in children, French Society for Hospital Hygiene, 2007.
– Dressings, indications and recommended uses, HAS, 2011.
– How to properly treat a wound?, Ameli, July 2022.