What Does The Word Antiseptic Mean?
The word antiseptic is defined as a substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms which breed on living tissue and cause infection. Antiseptics prevent or retard or destroy these micro-organisms. An antiseptic cream or an antiseptic lotion is usually applied externally (that is, on the skin) and the purpose of applying an antiseptic is basically to destroy the bacteria. Antiseptic literally means against sepsis. It basically prevents sepsis, decay and putrefaction, which is caused by micro-organisms. It is also an agent which kills germs and microbes that would otherwise proliferate and cause diseases. The term antiseptic collectively refers to a group of substances that are applied on a surface in order to kill the microbes. In case of the bacteria and fungi, however, antiseptic do not kill them, but they only inhibit the growth of the bacteria and fungi. All the essential oils exhibit some degree of antiseptic properties.
