Question

How do antiseptics differ from disinfectants?

Answer 1

Sr. No.	Antiseptics	Disinfectants
1.	Antiseptics are chemical substances that prevent the growth of microorganisms and may even kill them, but are not harmful to living tissues.	Disinfectants are chemical substances that kill microorganisms or stop their growth, but are harmful to human tissues.
2.	They are generally applied to living tissues such as wounds, cuts bulks, and diseased surfaces.	Disinfectants are applied to inanimate objects such as floors, drainage systems, instruments, etc.
3.	All the antiseptics are disinfectants.	Not all disinfectants are antiseptics.
5.	E.g., Povidone – iodine, Benzalkonium – chloride	E.g. Alcohol, chlorine compounds