Tea tree oil is expected to be the second most effective anti-microbial agent, as it also contains an OH group, and betadine is expected to be the least effective because it does not contain an OH group.
Antibacterial
Tea tree oil is probably best known for its antibacterial activity. Some research suggests that the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity associated with the oil comes from its ability to damage the cell walls of bacteria. More research is needed to understand how it might work.
7. Tea Tree Oil as an Antiseptic Skin Cleanser. Often used for its widespread antiseptic and antimicrobial benefits, tea tree oil can be used on cuts, burns, abrasions and boils. It can also be effective in treating certain kinds of staph infections.
Dettol is used for cleaning wounds, cleaning surfaces, antiseptic, and disinfectant properties, while betadine is useful as iodophor in modern clinical applications, treating wounds, etc.
The three most commonly used topical antiseptic agents are chlorhexidine, povidone iodine, and isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol has the best antibacterial activity but is also flammable and has been associated with fires in the operating room.
Chlorhexidine is a better antiseptic than povidone iodine and sodium hypochlorite because of its substantive effect.
This essential oil has been used for almost 100 years in Australia but is now available worldwide both as neat oil and as an active component in an array of products. The primary uses of tea tree oil have historically capitalized on the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions of the oil.
The chemicals in tea tree oil might kill bacteria, fungus, and mites, and reduce allergic skin reactions by decreasing swelling. People use tea tree oil for acne, toenail fungus, and athlete's foot.
Tea tree oil (TTO) may be a valuable addition to the traditional antifungal drugs due to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity.
Some people use certain essential oils — such as Helichrysum, lavender, or tea tree oils — on the skin to promote wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
Tea Tree Oil and Skin Conditions
If you have eczema, avoid using tea tree oil. Though tea tree oil may be effective for scalp psoriasis, it has not been proved to treat that skin condition. you should not self-treat, as tea tree oil can worsen rosacea symptoms.
Some laboratory studies have suggested that tea tree oil may be effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a type of staph infection that's resistant to many antibiotics. Although these studies are promising, more research needs to be done.
Iodine helps to kill germs on the skin, and people use it to treat a range of skin conditions. A 2012 study of children with molluscum contagiosum reported that the majority of those who used a combination of tea tree oil and iodine saw a reduction of more than 90 percent in the number of skin lesions.
shows that the two synthetic antimicrobial agents (Dettol and Betadine) only had a 8.4% difference in their effectiveness, whilst these two agents had 73% and 75% differences in effectiveness, respectively, when compared to Tea Tree Oil (natural antimicrobial).
Once again, however, experts agree that Betadine is too harsh to put on a healing wound. Side effects include skin irritation, but if Betadine is used on large wounds it may cause kidney problems, high blood sodium, and metabolic acidosis to occur.
You should not use Betadine if you are allergic to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Betadine is safe to use if you have any medical conditions or allergies. Do not use this medicine on a young child without medical advice. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Chlorhexidine gluconate is readily accessible, recommended by multiple societies as an alternative for patients with iodine allergy, and preliminary data indicate that it may provide superior antisepsis.
Some of the most used antiseptic solutions are alcohol, chlorhexidine and povidone iodine (a substance also present, for example, in Betadine). Deploying these and other solutions brings several benefits to the hospital environment, especially for the healthcare of patients and professionals.
The three main antiseptics most commonly used in the operating room (OR) for skin prepping include chlorhexidine, iodine, and alcohol.
Sterile normal saline is the most commonly used irrigating solution. Due to its physiologic nature, it is always safe to use in wounds. However, it does not contain any surfactants (found in commercial wound cleansers) which are more effective at lifting bacteria and debris from the wound or periwound area.