title: [Introduction to antiseptics].
abstract: Antiseptics are anti-infectious agents for local use on the skin or mucosa, which distinguishes them from disinfectants, which are used on inanimate surfaces usually because of their toxicity. The present article explains the differences among the multiple possible antiseptics; special attention is paid to the most common, such as alcohol, chlorhexidine, povidone iodine, and oxygenated water. Finally, we stress the different antiseptic formulations, which increase the usefulness of these agents in specific indications.
authors.affiliation: Médico de Familia, EOXI de Pontevedra e O Salnés, Pontevedra, España.
authors.forename: Laura López
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: González
authors.affiliation: Médico de Familia, Centro de Salud Renedo de Esgueva, Valladolid Rural I, Valladolid, España. Sacyl-Castilla y León.
authors.forename: M Isabel
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez Pérez
authors.affiliation: Médico de Familia, Unidad de Gestión Clínica Amante Laffon, Distrito Sanitario de Atención Primaria, Sevilla, España.
authors.forename: M Eulalia
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Lucio-Villegas Menéndez
authors.affiliation: Enfermera, Centro de Atención Primaria de Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, España. Grupo de Profilaxis en Enfermedades Infecciosas de la CAMFIC.
authors.forename: Natalia Aresté
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Lluch
authors.affiliation: Médico de Familia, Coordinadora del Grupo de Profilaxis en Enfermedades Infecciosas de la CAMFIC.
authors.forename: M Luisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Morató Agustí
authors.affiliation: Médico de Familia, PAC de Cambados, EOXI de Pontevedra e O Salnés, Pontevedra, España. Electronic address: santiago.perez.cachafeiro@sergas.es.
authors.forename: Santiago Pérez
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Cachafeiro
mesh_terms: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local
keywords: Antiseptics; Antisépticos; Atención primaria; Farmacología; Pharmacology; Primary care