The first Antiseptics

In 1853, an English sugeon named Joseph Lister observed that almost half of the patients on whom he performed amputations died of dreadful infections. Standards of hygine in operating theatres at this time were so bad that to be taken to hospital was almost a death sentence. Lister developed a system of cleaning everything that came into contact with a patients wounds with an 'antiseptic' called carbolic acid. He was able to prove that this method destroyed germs and greatly reduced infection.

Now there are numerous antiseptics available in the market. Savlon, Dettol, Betadin, Vicco products are some antiseptics which are popular. Also these antiseptics are available in the form of cream, liquid, hand wash, wipes, band-aids and mouth wash.