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Antiseptic
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<p> An antiseptic is an <a href="/facts/Antimicrobial/80ECEmvP">antimicrobial</a> substance or compound that is applied to living <a href="/facts/Biological_tissue/H7CpML7A">tissue</a> to reduce the possibility of <a href="/facts/Sepsis/n52bkffJ">sepsis</a>, <a href="/facts/Infection/182XrncP">infection</a>, or <a href="/facts/Putrefaction/VmJB2XDh">putrefaction</a>. Antiseptics are generally distinguished from <i><a href="/facts/Antibiotic/sF1kIfxg">antibiotics</a></i> by the latter's ability to safely destroy bacteria within the body, and from <i><a href="/facts/Disinfectant/33fF2QzG">disinfectants</a></i>, which destroy microorganisms found on non-living objects. </p><p><a href="/facts/Antibacterial/sF1kIfxg">Antibacterials</a> include antiseptics that have the proven ability to act against bacteria. <a href="/facts/Microbicide/80ECEmvP">Microbicides</a> which destroy virus particles are called <a href="/facts/Viricide/74QafkUL">viricides</a> or <a href="/facts/Antivirals/Xgbd2eI2">antivirals</a>. <a href="/facts/Antifungal/WEk5nS2B">Antifungals</a>, also known as <a href="/facts/Antimycotic/WEk5nS2B">antimycotics</a>, are pharmaceutical <a href="/facts/Fungicide/c1twQBYo">fungicides</a> used to treat and prevent <a href="/facts/Mycosis/YVK551qC">mycosis</a> (fungal infection). </p>