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Antiseptic cream/spray
There are loads out there to choose from. You can get creams, liquids, gels and sprays depending on what you need it for.

The sprays are good for anything that's contagious so you don't have to touch it. They're also good for covering large areas quickly. The sprays (and the gel) can form a germ-proof layer.

Some antiseptic liquids are stronger than gels and creams and, TCP, for example, can be used to gargle with (but not swallow) for sore throats.

The gels and creams tend to be less harsh than the liquids and sprays so are better for children or sensitive skin caused by acne.

Plasters
Putting a plaster on a cut sounds easy enough, but there are loads of plasters to choose from. You'll probably know that fabric ones stick better and waterproof ones keep the wound dry.

If you need to stop bleeding from cuts and grazes you'll need something called a haemostatic plaster. They have thicker pads to absorb blood and contain mild chemicals which help the blood to clot.

If you want to try and heal a wound quicker you can get healing plasters. The special substances in these keep the wound moist which means it should get better more quickly.

Hypoallergenic plasters are good if you're allergic to the glue or have sensitive skin, as they reduce the risk of a reaction.

If you burn or scald yourself you'll need a special burn plaster. They have extra padding in them to protect the burn as well as gel which keeps it cool. They also cover a larger area and have a much more gentle sticky adhesive so it's not as bad when the plaster gets taken off.

Blister plasters are, in effect, smaller versions of the burn plaster. You can wear them to either protect a blister, or prevent one from shoes that rub.

If you've hurt your knee, elbow or anywhere else where it's awkward to put a plaster you can now get spray-on ones. They last about two days and form a transparent film which stops water, dirt and bacteria getting in. Make sure the cut is clean before though, so you're not trapping bacteria underneath it.

Fingers can also be awkward places to put a plaster so you can get finger shaped ones, which are longer and stick better.

Next: Read on for information about medicines for other skin problems

Where next?

- More information about health conditions
- Kid's health
- Give your body its very own MOT with our health check
- Do you really need to see the doctor? Find out who else could help
- Old wives' tales? Fact or fiction
- Foods that are better than medicine
- When do I need antibiotics?
- Ten symptoms you should never ignore
- How well are you? Take our immune system quiz to find out
- Top tips for boosting your immune system

By Vicky Woollaston

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