Applicator

I. Applicator

1. Definition
   • An applicator is a medical device used to evenly apply medications onto the skin, mucous membranes, or other treatment areas. It is designed to enable medical staff or patients to perform medication – application operations accurately and conveniently, ensuring that the medications can be effectively distributed on the treatment areas.
2. Structure and Types
   • Structure: An applicator usually consists of two parts: an application head and a handle. The application head is the part that directly contacts the medication and is used for application. Its material is generally soft to avoid damaging the skin, and common materials include sponge, fiber, and brush. The handle is convenient for the user to hold, and some handles have anti – slip designs to improve the stability of operation.
   • Types: According to different uses and designs, there are various types of applicators. For example, disposable applicators are often used in scenarios to prevent cross – infection, such as in dermatology departments of hospitals and surgical dressing – changing operations; reusable applicators are generally used for specific long – term treatment processes after strict disinfection. In addition, there are also applicators specially designed for specific medications or specific treatment areas, such as eye applicators and large – area skin applicators.
3. Application Scenarios
   • In dermatology, it is used to apply topical ointments, such as ointments for treating skin diseases like eczema and dermatitis. Medical staff can use the applicator to evenly apply the ointment onto the affected skin of the patient, which can ensure the coverage area of the medication and avoid medication contamination and inaccurate dosage caused by finger – application.
   • In surgical wound care, the applicator can be used to apply medications that promote wound healing, such as growth – factor gels. For some irregularly – shaped or large – area wounds, the applicator can better cover the wound surface with the medication to promote wound repair.
   • In stomatology, some oral medications can also be accurately applied to the affected parts of the oral mucosa, such as oral ulcers, through the applicator to improve the therapeutic effect of the medication.

II. CHG Disinfection Swab

1. Definition
   • A CHG disinfection swab is a disinfection tool containing chlorhexidine (CHG, Chlorhexidine Gluconate). Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant with broad – spectrum antibacterial effects and can effectively kill various bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. The CHG disinfection swab utilizes this characteristic to conveniently achieve local disinfection of the skin or mucous membranes.
2. Structure and Principle
   • Structure: A CHG disinfection swab generally consists of a swab body and the disinfectant wrapped inside the swab body. The swab body is usually made of plastic or similar materials, having a certain degree of hardness and flexibility for easy operation and control. There may be special designs at one or both ends of the swab body. For example, one end of some disinfection swabs is designed as an application head to facilitate the application of the disinfectant onto the disinfection area.
   • Principle: When using a CHG disinfection swab, the chlorhexidine inside the swab body is released through squeezing, friction, or other operation methods and is applied onto the area that needs disinfection. Chlorhexidine achieves the purpose of disinfection by destroying the cell – membrane structure of microorganisms and inhibiting their growth and reproduction.
3. Application Scenarios
   • In hospitals, it is commonly used for preoperative skin disinfection. Medical staff can use CHG disinfection swabs to disinfect the skin around the surgical incision to ensure the sterility of the surgical area and reduce the risk of surgical infection.
   • In daily wound care, such as for minor abrasions and cuts, the CHG disinfection swab can conveniently disinfect the area around the wound to prevent wound infection.
   • In some special nursing scenarios, such as skin care for long – term bedridden patients, using CHG disinfection swabs can periodically disinfect the parts prone to infection, such as the sacrococcygeal region and elbows, to prevent complications such as pressure – ulcer infection.