Tag: First aid safety

While povidone-iodine is one of the most effective antiseptics for reducing infection risk, the question remains: Can I use iodine and hydrogen peroxide together? [1.4.1] Combining these common household items is generally not recommended for home first aid as they can neutralize each other and irritate the skin [1.3.2, 1.8.1].

While antiseptics are valuable for preventing infection on minor cuts and scrapes, studies indicate that applying them to certain types of wounds can impede the natural healing process. Knowing where should we avoid using antiseptics is critical for administering proper first aid and ensuring safe medical care.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), using any medication past its expiration date can be risky, and ointments are no exception. Here is what happens if you use expired healing ointment, from reduced effectiveness to the potential for skin irritation and infection.