Everyone has received a cut in their life. Whether it’s big or small, it is always a good idea to clean the cut to disinfect it. Cleaning the cut will ensure it doesn’t become infected as this can lead to further health issues. Many people believe using alcohol is the ideal way to disinfect a cut, however this is not the case.
While alcohol may be able to kill bacteria, it can also cause damage to your skin and the wound bed. Applying alcohol to an open wound can delay or may even prevent healing. Instead, alcohol should only be used to sterilize medical tools and equipment. When it comes to cleaning wounds, antiseptic wipes or towelettes are the way to go.
Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK) wipes are good to use for skin disinfectant as they are effective against viruses, fungi and bacteria. These wipes will not harm, sting or dry out the skin unlike alcohol. For these reasons, BZK wipes are essential to any first aid kit!