[Antiseptics in neonatology: the inheritance of the past in the daylight]. / Les antiseptiques en néonatologie : l'héritage des anciens à la lumière du jour.

The antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue to reduce the growth of microorganisms. The physiological particularities of newborns, and especially premature, reduce the list of used antiseptic in neonatology. The choice of antiseptic in neonates depends on its activity, its presentation and its tolerance. Using a large spectrum antiseptic like iodine and chlorhexidin seems to be the best choice; however the thyroid toxicity of iodine products contraindicates their use in the newborn. The usage of minor antiseptics like hexamidin shows no interest due to their limited spectrum and their long action delay. Using eosin for umbilical cord care is not recommended because it doesn't have any antiseptic activity and causes neonatal infections. Through this article, the authors review the principal aspects of antiseptic and report the properties and advantages-disadvantages of each antiseptic. The goal is to facilitate the choice of antiseptic used in neonatology.