For women traveling India

Well, our nursing tutors used to say that!!
But during my training we tested various types of disinfectant solutions including dettol, and after a few days they actually grew organisms on the petrie dishes!

Also hospital thermometers used to be disinfected in Dettol or Savlon until researchers discovered organisms grew in these solutions even though were changed regularly.
Of course this was in a hospital environment, but it still happened.

At best they have a very low efficacy. This info is easily accessed online.
Chloroxylenol (dettol) also disrupts cell membranes, the protective layer of skin is compromised & secondary infections can occur. That's why I don't use it.

However, iodine in the form of povidone-iodine is excellent on human tissue, & can even be used on mucosa & eyeballs without burning tissues.
Iodine tincture does sting, but my coral cuts have cleaned up really well with it.

A drop or two will sterilise a jug of water too, if you aren't sure about drinking it.

Of course you only want to take one solution with you, so use your Dettol, but don't share your bottle with others & discard the diluted solution after using.
Remember you will be reliant on the cleanliness of the water you mix it with...

Neosporin..

Interesting about Detol. I'd heard, some time back, that "disinfectants," in the long term, don't disinfect. I guess the smell continues to take me in, though.

What about my life-long favourite, TCP? I don't know how country-specific this brand name is (never seen it in India). The smell is one of those smells you either love or loathe*. I actually find it slightly intoxicating! Halogenated phenols, anyone?



*My cat has just given it a resounding DO NOT WANT!

Yes, edwardseco, Neosporin is a great topical antibiotic!
It comes in powder form too, so easy to apply.

Nick-H, I don't know much about TCP, other than it's a mild antiseptic... it's very British!...we have friends who use it here & swear by it. Probably mainly expat nostalgia I suspect.

I'm always concerned when one has to dilute with water....as we all know not all water is clean to start with!

Nick-H I'm worried about your cat now...I just read TCP is full of phenols,
which are TOXIC to cats!!!! What are you trying to do??

Thanks for the warning. I just gave a her a quick sniff. Will ensure that she never gets more!

Actually, she is, just now, in recovery, with stitches, from a bite wound --- thankfully, I did not think of ever putting any TCP on it.

He he! She sounds like a very wise cat!
She'll probably look sideways at you now for trying to trick her with poison!
Hope the wound heals quickly.