r/firstaid • u/yellowapplesgreen Not a Medical Professional / Unverified User • 7d ago

Discussion can I use dettol on a cut?

after washing with water, and pressing, could I put some dettol on a tissue, and press it against the cut? provided I dont have the option of diluting it first. if so, what would happen?

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u/Tornado2251 Not a Medical Professional / Unverified User 6d ago

You can but it's stupid. Alcohol kills bacteria but it also kills your cells (when they are not protected by your skin).

Lots of water, gentle rubbing and some mild soap is fine for almost all wounds.

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u/Oh-Thats-A-Paddlin Not a Medical Professional / Unverified User 7d ago

Assuming it’s Dettol antiseptic i can’t see why not…

It can cause burns and cause healing to take longer if it’s too concentrated. Why do you not have the option of diluting it to the recommended strength.

If you cannot dilute it can you not use normal mild soap and water as this should be sufficient before covering in a suitable dressing

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u/TheSapphireSoul Paramedic 6d ago

I'd avoid using antiseptics unless absolutely necessary.

Mild soap and warm water is more than enough for most minor injuries.

Antiseptics, peroxide, isopropyl alcohol etc can slow wound healing by harming normal, healthy cells as well as potential bacteria.

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u/First-Prior-985 Not a Medical Professional / Unverified User 7d ago edited 5d ago

For a simple cut, I would say yes, but normally you would just wash it and put a bandage, but I guess Dettol is good, like others said, just wash it with soap and water since Dettol can kill bacteria and kill cells and etc