| Product |
Antibacterial |
Use on minor cuts & scrapes |
Promotes drying |
Stops proud flesh |
| Aloe Vera* |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Betadine Gel* |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Betadine Scrub* |
Yes |
Yes, but rinse
thoroughly |
Yes |
No |
| Betadine Solution* |
Yes |
Yes, but must
be diluted |
Yes |
No |
| Blu-Kote |
To some extent |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Corona |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Furall** |
Not very good |
Yes |
No |
No—promotes it |
| Fura-Zone** |
Not very good |
Yes |
No |
No—promotes it |
| Granulex V |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes, label claims |
| Horseman’s Dream***** |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Icthammol** |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Neosporin* |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Nolvasan* |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Peroxide*** |
Yes, but needs |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Rubbing Alcohol**** |
long contact time |
No, stings |
Yes |
No |
| Wonder Dust |
To some extent |
No |
Yes |
No—promotes it |
* Water-soluble products. These are best for minor wounds because of: antiseptic properties (except
Aloe Vera); air can penetrate the product; some have emollient properties. Their water solubility also
allows thorough and easy cleaning of the wound. Betadine Solution, however, must be diluted; used
at full strength it actually interferes with antibacterial properties and reduces wound healing. Betadine
Scrub must be thoroughly rinsed. Betadine products contain tamed iodine; never apply tincture of
iodine (7%) to a wound.
** Petroleum-based products. These are most useful for superficial scrapes and as emollients, but
should not be used to thwart infection.
*** Peroxide causes the microscopic blood vessels around the wound to recede, thereby limiting healing.
Peroxide is not the best choice in wound care for horse skin.
**** Rubbing alcohol requires about 10 minutes contact time to kill off microorganisms, and it stings
badly when applied to an open skin wound. Limited first-aid value.
***** Horseman’s Dream contains Aloe and Vitamin E; good for minor wound care.