Antiseptics are used to treat skin infections, prevent wound infections, and manage acne. They also have other uses, such as disinfecting surgical sites and treating gingivitis. Antiseptics work by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on your skin or in your mouth. These medications come in different forms, including mouth rinses, creams, and washes. Examples include chlorhexidine (Periogard, Peridex), benzoyl peroxide (Benzefoam, Panoxyl), and povidone iodine (Betadine). Your prescriber can help you choose the form that best fits your needs.
