Acetic acid (medical use)
Acetic Acid (Medical Use)[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid is a chemical compound with the formula CH_COOH. It is a colorless liquid with a distinctive sour taste and pungent smell. In the medical field, acetic acid is used for various purposes, including as an antiseptic and in the treatment of infections.
Medical Applications[edit | edit source]
Antiseptic[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid is used as an antiseptic to treat infections caused by bacteria and fungi. It is particularly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common pathogen in hospital-acquired infections. The acid's low pH creates an environment that is hostile to microbial growth, making it useful for cleaning wounds and preventing infection.
Otitis Externa[edit | edit source]
In the treatment of otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, acetic acid is used in the form of ear drops. The acidic environment helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ear canal, providing relief from symptoms and promoting healing.
Vaginal Infections[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid is also used in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections. It helps to restore the natural acidity of the vagina, which can be disrupted by infections, thus aiding in the re-establishment of normal flora.
Cervical Cancer Screening[edit | edit source]
In some low-resource settings, acetic acid is used in visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer screening. The application of acetic acid to the cervix causes abnormal cells to turn white, allowing for visual identification of potential precancerous lesions.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Acetic acid works primarily by lowering the pH of the environment, which inhibits the growth of many pathogens. Its ability to disrupt cell membranes and denature proteins also contributes to its antimicrobial properties.
Safety and Side Effects[edit | edit source]
While acetic acid is generally safe for medical use, it can cause irritation and burning sensations when applied to sensitive tissues. Care should be taken to use the appropriate concentration, as higher concentrations can cause chemical burns.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
