Disinfectants

General

Disinfectants are used for so-called antiseptics. This means that they reduce the number of pathogens or put the germs in a state in which they can no longer infect humans and can no longer multiply. This distinguishes them from means for sterilization, in which the microorganisms are completely killed and not only occur in lower numbers. There are different types of disinfection: skin disinfection, surface disinfection, instrument disinfection and drinking water disinfection to name a few. For us, however, only skin disinfection is of interest.

Spectrum of activity

In the case of disinfectants, the spectrum of activity is stated on the packaging. This indicates which microorganisms, i.e. pathogens, the agent works against. A distinction is made between the following spectra:

• Bactericidal: counteract bacteria

• Virucidal: counteract Viruses

• fungicide: counteract Mushrooms

• Tuberculocide: work against that Tuberculosis bacterium (TB bacterium)

• Sporicidal: counteract Spurs of bacteria (spores are the long-term survival form of bacteria, so they can survive without water or nutrients)

Requirements for good disinfectants

A good disinfectant should of course give good results in disinfecting and cleaning the skin skin demonstrate. It is also very positive if the required exposure time is relatively short. So one can rather assume that the disinfection was already successful after a short time.

Especially with irritated or wounded skin areas or sensitive skin types is the Skin tolerance very important. There are therefore other disinfectants for the hands than, for example, for Wounds. Wound disinfectants do not contain alcohol and do not burn when applied. A good product leaves no residue on the skin and does not interfere with a pungent odor. Another consideration when buying a disinfectant is that Environmental sustainability.

application

The golden rule when using disinfectants is: always follow the manufacturer's instructions. The exposure times can vary and should always be strictly observed. During the exposure time, the area of ​​skin that is to be disinfected must be constantly wetted with the liquid. If it evaporates before then, you have to spray or wipe again. The duration of the disinfection often also depends on whether the skin is rich in or poor in sebum. If there are many glands in the skin, it is usually more oily and the disinfectant has to act for a longer time in order to develop the desired effect.

The liquids can either be sprayed on or applied with a damp cloth using a disinfectant wipe. Today, many experts recommend wiping because the surface is more reliably and completely wetted. In addition, you avoid the risk of inhalation through the spray mist with more aggressive substances. The cloth or swab with the disinfectant should only be moved in one direction to prevent the pathogens from spreading over the surface.

Especially when disinfecting wounds, it is very important that the person disinfecting (e.g. the nurse or the patient himself) disinfects his or her hands beforehand. If a “puddle” has formed when applying the agent (this is often the case with the crook of the arm before blood is taken), the excess disinfectant can be sucked up with a sterile swab after the exposure time. Using contaminated swabs or touching them with your fingers renders disinfection ineffective.

You can read more about this under: Proper hand washing and disinfection

Areas of application

Disinfectants are used in medicine alongside the Antiseptics by surfaces and instruments primarily used before invasive (i.e. body-penetrating) procedures. That goes for both the simple Blood draw as well as for larger ones Operations. Skin disinfection is essential because otherwise Germsthat are actually harmless, can get into the body and spread there. But even after operations, the broken skin disinfected several times to allow the wound to heal well and to prevent open skin areas from harboring germs. Even with spontaneous injuries like Cuts or Abrasions is disinfected because the Protective barrier the skin is interrupted. Most recently, you perform several times a day, especially in medical professions Hand disinfection to avoid transferring pathogens from one patient to the next.

Where can I buy disinfectants?

Professional medical disinfectants from the pharmacy should be on one of the recognized disinfectant lists. First, there is the list of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and those of the Applied Hygiene Association (VAH). With the agents on these lists, one can safely assume that their disinfecting effect and the ingredients have been scientifically proven harmless are. You get access at Health department or on the RKI and VAH websites. In recent years, however, the supply in drug stores and supermarkets has also increased. The Hand sanitizer there are relatively effective and are suitable as a supplement to the thorough Wash your hands. In individual cases you should always make sure that they have a high Alcohol content to have. For the care of wounds, however, a professional drug from the pharmacy is more recommended.

Risks

Discussions flare up again and again as to whether disinfectants are really harmless to health. Household disinfectants in particular are suspected of being harmful and even carcinogenic to be. Unfortunately, there is no general answer to this question. In principle, however, the use of disinfectants in the household is usually not necessary. Microorganisms and therefore pathogens have always been our constant companions. Our body houses more microorganisms than human cells. Without the little ones Parasites, for example the Skin and intestinal flora make up, we would not be viable.

Because disinfectants too useful germs damage should always be done with caution. More aggressive substances such as surface disinfectants should only be handled with gloves. In addition, they should be kept away from children and only with wound disinfectants is contact with Mucous membranes mostly harmless. Tested disinfectants must no longer contain any harmful substances such as triclosan or sodium hypochlorite (releases toxic chlorine). Therefore, it is always a good idea to invest in a safe, professional disinfectant.