Bactine - FAQ's

FAQ's

Bactine was first introduced in 1950 and is a first aid product to help prevent skin infection and for the temporary relief of pain and itching associated with minor:

cuts
scrapes
burns

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Category / Brand Information

What is an antiseptic?

An antiseptic is a chemical which kills or halts the growth of microorganisms. While disinfectants do the same thing, antiseptics are specifically applied to the skin.

Some additional examples of an antiseptic include, soap, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide. The antiseptic in Bactine is benzalkonium chloride.

How does an anesthetic work?

Pain and itching from a skin injury are felt because the nerve cells send a message to the brain that something hurts.

A local anesthetic works to interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses at the point of application.

Ingredients

Are any of the ingredients in Bactine derived from animal by-products?

No.

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Usage

How do I use Bactine? (What is the purpose of the product? i.e. indications for use)

Bactine can protect you and your family from minor skin infections. It temporarily relieves pain & itching from minor cuts, scrapes and burns.

For Minor Cuts and Scrapes:

Wash wound with soap and water. Use the antiseptic Bactine as directed on package.
If wound is a puncture, dirty, animal bite, or if you think it may require stitches, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Can I use on body piercing?

We cannot recommend that Bactine be used for this purpose since body piercings are considered puncture wounds. Consumers should consult their doctor for treatment of such wounds.

Can I use Bactine beyond the expiration date?

It is not recommended to use Bactine beyond the labeled expiration date because of possible loss of effectiveness.

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Packaging

Can the Bactine bottles be recycled?

Yes. They are #2 code HDPE (High Density Polyethylene).
The caps are currently not recyclable.

Why are there child resistant caps on the Bactine Original First Aid Liquid bottles?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires the use of child resistant caps on all products that contain more than 0.5 mg. of lidocaine. The spray bottle is not child resistant; take special care to keep out of reach of all children. The spray bottle is not intended for households with young children.

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History

When was Bactine introduced?

Bactine was developed in 1947 and introduced in 1950 to provide consumers with a single first aid product that was more effective, safer, and less caustic than the products commonly used for first aid at the time (iodine, silver nitrate, boric acid, and hydrogen peroxide are a few examples).

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