There are a lot of benefits that you can get from practicing good hygiene. These include decreasing your chances of getting sick and acquiring diseases and infections. In addition to that, keeping your whole body clean from head to foot can also provide you with a boost in self-esteem. There are various personal hygiene habits that you can include in your daily routine to make sure that you keep yourself and the environment around you hygienic.
Some examples of personal hygiene include washing your hands, keeping your nails clean, brushing your teeth, taking a bath, and wearing clean clothes. No matter how busy you are with everyday tasks, it is very important that you always look after your hygiene. That is why there are many items and products available today that may help us stay clean and free from germs and viruses. One example of this is by using medical wipes or antiseptic wipes.
Medical wipes are great for whole-body hygiene and as well as for cleaning certain surfaces. They can be used to clean wounds, cleanse your hands, wipe your face, disinfect a surface, or even substitute toilet paper. Most of them also come in convenient tubs or pouches, which can be easily stored in your bag and taken with you wherever you go. But how beneficial do you think are medical wipes for your everyday life? If you are curious about this, read on as we’re giving you more information.
What are Medical Wipes?
Medical wipes are also sometimes referred to as antiseptic or antibacterial wipes. They are used as a convenient way of sterilizing the skin when people acquire wounds. They are a single-use item that sanitizes the skin without the risk of cross-contamination, unlike using a bottle of potentially messy liquids. Each wipe is packed individually, making them easy to carry in bags, pockets, and small first aid kits. In addition to sterilizing the skin, medical wipes are also commonly used to clean surfaces.
In general, medical wipes are pre-moistened towelettes with a sanitizing or disinfecting mix that can kill or reduce germs on the skin or other surfaces. Some of them are sold in single-use containers and are more convenient compared to using sprays or towels.
Medical wipes are commonly used in healthcare settings, such as clinics and hospitals. But today, many types are available for personal use and are marketed as a great way to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.
Advantages of Using Medical Wipes
Medical wipes have a wide variety of uses, and it is beneficial for daily use. In fact, a lot of workplaces are using these wipes to keep their premises free of viruses and bacteria, and they are also very useful in healthcare facilities to clean wounds and disinfect the skin before certain procedures. But how beneficial are they for everyday use?
In this part, we are going to take a look at the different advantages that medical wipes can provide for daily use:
Medical wipes can help clean wounds.
The main use of medical wipes or antiseptic wipes is for cleaning wounds and the surrounding areas. They are sting-free and are used to clean a wound or cut before applying other products like an ointment or a bandage. Medical wipes help ensure that the wound or cut is cleansed and will not be infected by any bacteria.
Medical wipes can be as effective as hand sanitizers.
Some medical wipes are labeled as alcohol-free, which can make you wonder if they are as effective as hand sanitizers. Well, the answer to this is yes, they can be as effective as hand sanitizers. Even though some medical wipes are alcohol-free, they still contain a blend of antiseptic agents that are effective in eliminating harmful germs while being suitable for use on hands.[1]
Compared to alcohol and hand sanitizers, medical wipes are less drying on the hands.
Using antiseptic wipes to clean the hands can be less drying than using alcohol or hand sanitizers. This means that even if you use them a lot throughout the day, you can ensure that your hands will not become dry. This is because most of these wipes do not contain alcohol, which can disrupt the protective layer of the skin. There are even wipes that contain skin moisturizers like vitamin E and glycerin to keep the skin moisturized.[1]
Medical wipes are handy when soap and water are not readily available.
It is true that using soap and water is the most effective way to clean our hands. However, they are sometimes not readily available, especially in outdoor settings. With this, the next best option that you have is to use medical wipes to clean dirt on your hand or skin and sanitize them. Plus, medical wipes are lightweight and easy to carry anywhere. It is also safer as it will not spill inside your bag compared to alcohol or hand sanitizers.[1]
Medical wipes can be used to disinfect surfaces effectively.
Aside from cleaning your hands or skin, medical wipes can also be used to disinfect surfaces. This means that you can use them daily to clean down kitchen surfaces, work desks, public tables, and more. They are ideal for cleaning down dirty surfaces as they do not leave any residue behind, such as grease and grime. This means that they can leave surfaces much cleaner and free from microorganisms compared to using cloth or rugs.[2]
Medical wipes are simple and quick to use.
One of the best things about using medical wipes is that they are simple and quick to use. Whether you are cleaning your wounds, disinfecting your hands, or cleaning kitchen counters, you will be able to complete the task fast and easily by using medical wipes. They are also very easy to store and carry on the go, allowing you to use them anytime and anywhere. From small packets to buckets, there is a wide range of options you can choose from when it comes to medical wipes.[2]
Medical wipes can be used for a variety of settings.
The best thing about medical wipes is that they can be used in different settings. Whether you are working in the medical or healthcare field, an officer, or a normal adult living peacefully at home, medical wipes are great to be used for fast cleaning scenarios to keep your place and self-hygiene levels high. You can use them to clean wounds or prepare the skin for certain procedures in a hospital setting, as well as use them to wipe down little spills washing down the rails in wheelchairs. You can also use them at home to make your space as clean and hygienic as you like.[2]
Different Types of Medical Wipes
At the present time, medical wipes can be a broad term as they can refer to both antiseptic wipes and antibacterial wipes. When you search the internet for medical wipes, you will be bombarded with a lot of options. But of course, you need to choose the right one depending on how you intend to use it. This is because medical wipes come in various types. Some of them are used in hospitals for cleaning wounds, while some are mainly used to disinfect surfaces. To learn more about these, below are the different types of medical wipes that you may encounter:
Antiseptic Wipes
Antiseptic wipes are used in cleaning wounds and the surrounding areas to properly care for an injury to begin the healing process. They are sting-free and can be used to cleanse a cut before administering other applications like an ointment or bandage. Below are some examples of antiseptic wipes to help you pick:
Dynarex Antiseptic Wipes: These are high-quality sanitizing wipes that are made to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Each of these wipes contains benzalkonium chloride, which can help protect against contaminants. They are easy-to-use towelettes that are alcohol-free for a pain-free application. They can also be used to cleanse your hands, face, or glasses if access to soap and water is limited.
Medique Medi-First Antiseptic Wipes: These are first-aid antiseptic wipes that can help prevent infection in minor cuts, burns, and scrapes. They can also be used to clean the face, hands, and body without using soap and water. These wipes will not cause dryness on the skin, and they may even help protect sensitive skin against germs, keeping you hygienic.
McKesson Obstetrical Wipes: These medical wipes are soothing wipes for perineal and maternity care. They have a sting-free and scented formula that can refresh sensitive skin while disinfecting it. They also contain benzalkonium chloride, making them a good first-aid option to clean minor cuts, scrapes, and burns and for catheterization preparation.
Alcohol Wipes
Alcohol wipes are ideally used in cleaning the surrounding areas of wounds and injuries to prevent the spread of bacteria. However, they should not be applied to the wound itself as it will sting. Below are some examples of alcohol wipes to help you choose:
MED PRIDE Alcohol Prep Pads: These alcohol wipes can be used to clean small wounds and cuts and sanitize skin before injections for blood work or immunizations. Each of them is wrapped individually in tinfoil to preserve their quality and sterilization. These wipes contain 70% isopropyl alcohol, and they are soft and highly absorbent. They can be used in hospitals and medical facilities and is an essential addition to any household’s first aid kit.
CURAD Alcohol Prep Pads: These wipes are 2-ply and contain 70% isopropyl alcohol. They can be used to clean around little cuts and scrapes or to prepare the skin for bandaging, finger pricks, and injections. They are sterile alcohol pads that can also be used to wipe down small items like phones, earphones, and glasses. They are small enough to be carried easily in your pocket and bags.
Care Touch Alcohol Wipes: Each of these wipes is gamma sterilized and individually wrapped and sealed to keep it sterile and prevent leakage. They are saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol for optimal effectiveness. They are perfect for home use and for regular use to prepare the skin for medical procedures like injections.
Disinfectant Wipes
Disinfectant wipes are commonly used in hospitals and other healthcare settings to disinfect surfaces and medical equipment. These wipes usually contain strong antimicrobial agents that can effectively kill bacteria, germs, and viruses. Below are a few examples of disinfectant wipes to help you choose:
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes: These disinfecting wipes are tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. They are multi-purpose cleaning wipes that are stronger than a paper towel. They can be used to disinfect surfaces and other everyday items like remote controls, smartphones, and tablets. They can disinfect and deodorize any surface, wipe down spills, and remove allergens on surfaces.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes: This is another multi-surface cleaner that can tackle any tough surface conveniently. It can disinfect and deodorize any surface safely as it does not contain bleach. It conveniently comes in an easy-pull pack, which you can also carry in your bag easily.
Antibacterial Wipes
Antibacterial wipes are mostly used for personal hygiene. They can be used to clean hands, faces, and surfaces at home. They contain ingredients that can kill bacteria. However, unlike disinfectant wipes, antibacterial wipes are not as effective against viruses. Below are a few examples of antibacterial wipes to help you pick:
Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes: These wipes are handy and can be used to clean your hands or even wipe your face. They are also hypoallergenic and will not cause your hands to become dry, no matter how often you use them.
Clorox Pro Hand Wipes: These are alcohol-free antibacterial wipes for daily use. It will help you keep your hands clean every day, anywhere you go. They come in resealable pouches with 20 hand wipes each to keep the wipes moist for longer periods. They are easy to carry and bring anywhere you like.
Purell Hand Sanitizing Wipes: These antibacterial wipes are durable and tough on messes but very gentle on hands. It can kill common germs that may cause illness without damaging the skin. They come in canister-style containers to help prevent them from drying out. They are ideally used at home, in the car, or at work.
Conclusion
It is indeed a good idea to always have a pouch or pack of medical wipes in your bag or a container of it at home. They have a ton of uses and benefits for daily use, such as cleaning your hands, sanitizing surfaces, and disinfecting wounds in case of minor accidents. They can surely help you practice good hygiene every day wherever you go and whatever activities you do. We hope this post helped you learn more about how beneficial medical wipes are for daily use.
References
[1] Freshening Professional, E. (2022, May 28). Antiseptic wipes Singapore: 5 reasons why you need A pack. Freshening Industries Pte Ltd Logo. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://freshening.com/2022/02/15/why-everyone-needs-a-pack-of-antiseptic-wipes-in-their-bag/
[2] Galleon, T. (2022, September 29). 5 benefits of using antibacterial wipes – galleon supplies blog. Galleon Supplies Blog -. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://www.galleonsupplies.co.uk/blog/5-benefits-of-using-antibacterial-wipes/