Disinfect a wound

Antibiotics are debate cesspool in the medical field. When to take them, how long, pros and cons, the list goes on. The first thing you need to know about Antibiotics is they are not a cure-all and in many cases can make the situation worse. A bacterial infection and a viral infection may present with very similar signs and symptoms and antibiotics won't do diddly squat for viral infections. Topical antibiotics are in most cases never a bad thing. Your skin is the number one defense against the grime and grunge of the world. Any time you have a break in the skin you are at risk of infection. Now here is where combat medicine comes into play. Suppose you are in the wilderness (back yard, camping trip, or away from medical assistance) and you sustain a small abrasion (fancy word for scratch) or laceration (fancy word for cut), you don't have an ounce of topical antibiotic cream; here is what you do: you can pour sugar or honey on the wound. You see the object is to kill or keep away bacteria. Sugar and honey are considered a hyper tonic substance and are deadly to most bacteria. So the idea is to make the wound uninhabitable. You could also use salt (ouch) keep in mind that there are some bacteria’s that love hyper tonic solution, they are called halophiles. so using this method will only decrease your chances drastically, they will not eliminate it. Also keep in mind that when using honey you run the risk of contracting botulism which is found in some honey, though the risk is low. I know your mother and possibly your grandmother has taught you that hydrogen peroxide is the cure all for scrapes and cuts but using this on a wound could make it worse and does lengthen the time it takes to heal. Hydrogen peroxide kills the any living organism INCLUDING the tissue. dead tissue doesn't heal it only gets in the way of progress.