Skin Prep, Antiseptic Wipes, Skin Barrier Wipes, Swabsticks

Choosing the Best Medical Wipes

Choosing the best medical wipes will mainly depend on what they will be used for. There are wipes made specifically for cleaning and disinfecting wounds, prepping the skin for a procedure, and removing medical adhesives. Some are used primarily in healthcare settings, but others can be utilized at home for daily cleaning or for the care of wounds. Some forms of medical wipes clean the skin in the treatment of minor wounds or before a medical procedure.

There are differing ingredients which may be applied as disinfectant for these purposes, such as alcohol, iodine, or chloride. Another form of medical wipes assists in removing adhesives from the skin. Adhesives may be applied to attach bandages or other types of skin protection, and when they are removed they can leave a thick film behind on the skin. There are specialized wipes which remove this film easier than soap and water alone.

Antiseptic Wipes

Antiseptic wipes are an effective and easy way to kill germs, and a solution for fighting bacteria and viruses. They generally contain active ingredients that are proven to kill germs, such as iodine, alcohol, and chloride. The wipes aid in controlling the amount of ingredients which are applied to the skin to assist in minimizing reactions.

Medical offices and healthcare facilities use antiseptic wipes as a way to keep the staff safe while preventing the spread of germs between staff and patients. They can also be utilized to prevent an infection in a minor wound by wiping the wound and the area around it before bandaging it to clean away germs.

Other factors to consider when comparing wipes are convenience and scent. Antiseptic wipes are easy to store in a medical facility or travel with in a purse, briefcase, or backpack. Some wipes are unscented while others have an obvious fragrance. Therefore, consider this if an individual is sensitive to smells or has sensitive skin.

Alcohol Wipes

Alcohol wipes are a convenient way to kill germs along with inhibiting the spread of diseases. When choosing alcohol wipes, consider the alcohol content. Some swabs contain other ingredients, such as purified water and basic soap. Wipes for medical needs tend to be stronger than personal versions, and alcohol swabs are available for home use, also.

When choosing alcohol wipes, the amount of alcohol they contain is important. Normally, effective wipes that kill germs contain an antiseptic, such as alcohol, that is at least half of its total contents. If an individual has sensitive skin, less alcohol concentration may be necessary. Usually a good choice for use with sensitive areas or for children is a swab that contains a combination of soap, alcohol, and water.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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