For liquid antiseptics, labels would direct users to let the product dry before bandaging. Comments on the proposal were minimal, Lumpkins says, emphasizing that FDA's evaluation of the ingredients is still very much an evolving process. We have to determine the facts. Literature searches that we can now do so easily help, but we won't find everything. We rely on people to bring things to our attention.
Recent publications advise against two currently marketed antiseptics.
It does not kill bacteria, and it adversely affects capillary blood flow and wound healing. The final rule will reflect FDA's evaluation of all the data, Lumpkins says. Thus, antiseptic ingredients proposed as safe and effective could be found unsafe or ineffective, or new ingredients could be added, depending on new information. People should read the label, and use the product appropriately. If they notice a change in their condition, or if there's redness or swelling, they shouldn't continue to try to treat it.