NO864519L - ANTISEPTIC FLUIDS. - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to antiseptic liquids with a dual purpose which, in addition to being effective skin disinfectants, after drying are also able to form a skin protective film with residual antibacterial properties.

Although these antiseptic liquids are primarily used as skin disinfectants for use before and after surgical interventions, for dermatological infections, burn treatment and first aid for surface wounds, cuts and abrasions, they offer the additional advantage of a temporary or more long-term skin and wound dressing, depending on the film-forming polymer used, without impairing the normal physiological activity of the skin.

The invention also relates to medical, surgical and veterinary medical devices, in particular liquid applicators for antiseptic liquids intended for human skin for medical,

pre- and post-surgical applications and first aid.

State of the art

Antiseptic liquids are solutions of a substance with known antibacterial properties that are dissolved in a solvent, such as e.g. water or a lower alcohol or a mixture of these. The bactericidal substance is deposited directly on the skin after application and through its contact can cause significant discomfort in the form of redness, itching or other sensory sensations in people who are known to have hypersensitive skin or are allergic.

After disinfection of the skin before or after surgery, open wounds, cuts and abrasions and especially burns, it is desirable that there is a continuous protection against any new infection, provided by the residual antibacterial effect of the antiseptic liquid used or by means of physical aids such as the use of tight-fitting bandages made from sterilized fabrics, or using both of these. Residual bactericidal properties are claimed to be present in some commercially available disinfectants, but these properties can only be expected to be of short duration. E.g. the remaining antibacterial effectiveness of the widely used quaternary ammonium compounds as disinfectants is largely affected by the pH of normal healthy skin and the organic matter found in the fluids it secretes. There is also a reduction of deposited germicides due to removal by sweating. The use of bandages made of different materials can be cumbersome, as these are often affected by the movement of the affected parts of the body, which requires quick, time-consuming changes.

In recent years, wound dressings have been developed for use on surface burns, cuts and abrasions, as well as dressings for use before and after surgical interventions, which provide a clear plastic film over the affected areas. These plastic wound dressings, often referred to as "plastic bandages", are usually solutions of an acrylic or methacrylic copolymer dissolved in a volatile non-aqueous organic solvent with a low boiling point, such as e.g. ethyl acetate, acetone, ethyl alcohol or methylene chloride or mixtures thereof, which reduces the drying time to a minimum.

Although they protect the treated areas through their continuous film formation and act as a physical barrier against external contamination and possible infection, they have no antibacterial activity and should therefore only be applied after disinfection of the skin. A serious disadvantage of these liquid dressings is that the non-aqueous solvent for the film-forming polymer can cause significant pain if applied to open wounds, cuts and abrasions. For good adhesion, such liquid bandages can only be applied to completely dry skin. This makes them less suitable when the skin is contaminated by body fluids such as blood, strong sweat or pus. Furthermore, these liquid bandages suffer from the disadvantage that the film consisting of a non-porous, water-soluble polymer hermetically closes the pores of the skin and thereby prevents it from exercising its normal physiological functions. Modifications of films have been advocated to make them semipermeable to be better able to cope with the body fluids secreted from the skin.

In recent times, plastic bandages have been described in the form of sprays where the polymer is dissolved in an organic solvent or in the propellant itself so that a film is formed on the skin which can be removed by washing with soap and water. A spray bandage is also described in Australian Patent Document No. 527826 where the film consisting of a water-soluble polymer, such as e.g. polybutyl methacrylate, is dissolved in an organic solvent containing a water-soluble bactericide, such as e.g. a quaternary ammonium compound,

and a bacteriostatic agent, such as a chlorinated hydroxy-diphenyl ether. It is claimed that the water-soluble bactericidal agent will ooze from the polymer film for immediate disinfection of the skin, and that the resulting porous film will then allow sufficient moisture to pass through for the residual bacteriostatic agent in its anhydrous medium to provide residual antibacterial activity.

There are also known antiseptic preparations which are aqueous solutions of an iodine complex with poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone), which after application leave a film of the iodine complex on the skin. This film formation is only something that accompanies the disinfecting properties, and due to the film's thinness since it is removed instantly when it comes into contact with moisture, it cannot be considered a protective wound dressing.

It is common practice to apply a liquid antiseptic to wounds, cuts, lacerations, burns and skin infections, and during surgical procedures before and after incisions in the skin. Another widely used practice is to disinfect small areas of skin before penetrating with a syringe or inserting a cannula for intravenous nutrition or blood transfusion. The area of skin to be disinfected is usually brushed either with a soft brush, rubbed with a swab or sponge made of a soft, porous material and dipped in an antiseptic liquid. During surgical interventions, swabs are either held firmly with forceps or are attached to the end of a rigid handle as described in US Patent No. 3,508,547. The antiseptic liquid is stored in an open container and the swab is dipped into the contents, which are discarded after surgery, causing the loss of the majority that remained unused. Furthermore, the swabs or sponges that are discarded after use could also easily be mistaken for swabs with an iodine disinfectant if they are contaminated with coagulated blood, due to the similarity in colour.

An improvement in the technique is described in US Patent No. 3,774,609 which combines a sponge-like applicator with a rigid container for storing the antiseptic solution. The applicator sponge covering the front end of the applicator is surrounded by a U-shaped clamp comprising a pair of oppositely pointing pins which penetrate the container prior to application and allow the contents to flow into the applicator sponge. The device is discarded after only one use. A similar but reusable device is claimed in US Patent No. 3,482,920, where the liquid applicator is held in a carrier ring with a piercing arrangement in the cork for opening the connected rigid container and thus releasing the liquid so that it can flow into the applicator. In another US Patent No. 3,179,972, an applicator tip attached to an attached bottle is disclosed to have a skin contact surface of a microporous plastic material.

Common to all these devices is the fact that they only permit the use of low-viscosity fluids capable of flowing freely by gravity alone from the container through the porous applicator and to its surface, thereby causing, when the device is used while still full or almost full, problems with fluid outflow and drainage from treated skin areas. As some of the contents are used and an equilibrium is established between the external air pressure and the pressure inside the container, the antiseptic liquid will also stop flowing into the applicator head and the device will have to be discarded so that a large part of the contents is lost. With the reduction of pressure inside the container, there is also a risk of less antiseptic liquid flowing into the applicator head which again, due to insufficient wetting, can cause uneven application and leave some areas of skin untreated.

Description of invention

It has now been discovered that when a water-soluble or partially water-soluble bactericidal agent and/or bacteriostatic agent is dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous medium which may contain certain amounts of a volatile organic medium, such as e.g. ethanol, and a water-soluble or water-dispersible film-forming polymer, after evaporation of the medium, sufficient water remains in the film for the bactericidal agent and/or bacteriostatic agent to be effective. The film itself has residual antibacterial properties. Due to its water content, this film does not affect the natural physiological functions of the skin.

Furthermore, it has surprisingly been observed that in some individuals with very sensitive skin to certain bactericidal and bacteriostatic agents, no adverse skin reactions occur, or significantly reduced adverse skin reactions such as e.g. skin redness or itching, even if a dressing containing such agents is left in contact with the skin for many hours.

The present invention thus relates to an antiseptic liquid with a dual purpose, which, in addition to being a liquid disinfectant for damaged or undamaged skin, open wounds, burns, cuts and abrasions, leaves a protective dressing in the form of an elastic film over the treated areas with residual antibacterial properties.

The dual-purpose antiseptic liquid according to the invention provides, after disinfection, an elastic dressing which does not interfere with the normal physiological activity of the skin, and which can be removed with water or with soap and water.

The antiseptic liquid according to the invention causes minimal irritation in sensitive skin which is otherwise caused by the direct contact and deposition of the bactericidal agent and/or bacteriostatic agent directly on the skin.

The invention also relates to a simple, reusable device for applying the antiseptic liquid in an economical and efficient way to surfaces, such as e.g. on skin.

The invention therefore provides a dual-purpose antiseptic liquid comprising at least one bactericidal agent and/or a bacteriostatic agent, at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible film-forming polymer and water.

The liquid according to the invention may optionally contain a water-miscible, non-toxic, volatile co-solvent such as e.g. a lower alcohol, e.g. ethanol, isopropanol or

the like.

The use of a slow-drying solvent in such antiseptic liquids allows sufficient time for the active ingredients to act as in any other antiseptic liquid, to ensure complete disinfection of the treated skin area. It is generally accepted that, in order to provide effective skin disinfection, the mixture should be in contact with the skin for approx. 30 to approx. 90 seconds. For practical reasons, however, the drying time of the solvent should be regulated by adding a suitable amount of a water-miscible, volatile co-solvent such as e.g. ethanol or isopropanol, so that the film formation takes place during preferably between approx. 30 and approx. 60 seconds. It is also preferred that the concentration of the active ingredient is sufficient to provide complete disinfection of the skin during film formation.

For certain purposes, the co-solvent content can be increased as much as 70% by volume to reduce the drying time to just a few seconds. The additional bactericidal power of co-solvents such as e.g. ethanol at this concentration ensures aseptic treatment of the skin even within the reduced drying time.

For the more widely used antiseptic liquids with dual purpose according to the invention, especially those intended for first aid in the home, it is preferred that no unpleasant burning sensation is experienced after application to damaged skin cuts and abrasions due to a too high content of co-solvent such as e.g. ethanol.

For application to burns, it may be desirable to include a topical local anesthetic to reduce pain.

A particular advantage of the dual-purpose antiseptic liquid according to the invention, which contains a water-retaining film-forming polymer, is that after disinfection of the skin, not only is a residual antibacterial activity retained, but that it is directed at the external environment and at the skin at the same time. Even if a slow-acting bacteriostatic agent is used, the disinfection of the skin is thus continued even if the film has been formed before asepticity has been achieved on the skin.

There is also the important additional advantage that the remaining bacterial flora which is located below the skin tissue after normal disinfection, often protected by fat, and which is brought to the surface at a later stage by sweat, is destroyed after contact with the active ingredient in the film. It is therefore an important application of the present invention to provide an "invisible antiseptic glove" as an additional protection not only for surgeon's hands under the surgical glove against possible holes or cuts in the glove with surgical instruments, but also to serve as a temporary surgical glove for small moment- important operations in the field.

The observed reduction and even elimination of skin irritation in persons known to have sensitive skin to the chemical agent used as a bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic agent, e.g. quaternary ammonium compounds, can reasonably be understood as the fact that, after dissolution of a film-forming polymer, a colloid is formed around the bactericidal molecule, which, without affecting its antibacterial activity, prevents direct contact with the skin not only during disinfection but even more so as soon as film formation have begun.

Another advantage of the protective colloid and the film formation around the bactericidal molecule is that the possible deactivation through organic matter is reduced and residual antibacterial activity is increased. The use of a water-soluble polymer has the further advantage that by choosing polymers with a sufficiently large molecular weight, the viscosity of the antiseptic liquid can be regulated so that it becomes sufficiently high to avoid unnecessary and irritating runoff after application.

It is advisable to incorporate small amounts of a plasticizer to increase the flexibility of the film. Such plasticizers are e.g. the polyethylene glycols or a surfactant such as e.g. the nonylphenol polyethoxy condensates to ensure even spreading of the antiseptic liquid on the skin before film formation by immediate help on unwashed skin and in people where there is oil or grease on the skin.

The liquids according to the invention may optionally contain a wetting agent. This is particularly useful for increasing the moisture-retaining properties of the polymeric film. Some moisturizers can also act as a softener. Examples of suitable wetting agents include glycerol, sorbitol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 400 and non-ionic lanolin derivatives.

Suitable bactericidal and bacteriostatic agents which can be used in mixtures according to the invention include halogenated hydroxydiphenyl derivatives or halogenated salicyl and carbanilides.

Examples of these bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic agents are those with the formula

wherein each of R-^ to Rg may be hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, halolower alkyl, lower alkoxy, allyl, cyano, amino or acetyl, and the O-acyl derivatives thereof, provided that at least one R^ to Rg is halogen, wherein each of X^ to Xg may be hydrogen, halogen, haloalkyl, nitro or alkoxy, provided that at least one of X^ to Xg is halogen,

where each of Yx , to Yn y is hydrogen or halogen, provided that at least two of Y , to Yn are halogen, and

in y

where each of ZX , to ZQ o can be hydrogen or halogen, provided that there are at least two halogen substituents on each phenyl ring. Such compounds are described in Australian Patent Nos. 200,868, 209,986, 236,460, 274,941, 278,661 and 283,658, and in US Patent Nos. 2,250,840, 2,967,885, 3,254,121, 3,057,920 and 3 064 048.

Examples of the preferred bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic agents include 2,4,4<1->trichloro-2<1->hydroxydi-phenylether (triclosan), 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3<1>,5, 5',6,6'-hexa-chlorodiphenylmethane as systematic name (hexachlorophene), 3,5,4'-tribromosalicylanilide (tribromsalan), 3,4,4<1->trichloro- or 3-trifluoromethyl-4,4< 1->dichlorocarbanilides (triclocarban and cloflucaban), chlorhexidine digluconate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, benzalkonium chloride and iodine complexes known as iodophores.

The concentration of the active ingredient should be within the range recommended by the manufacturers, and be no different from those used in standard antiseptic solutions.

The film-forming polymers which provide films with sufficient water retention to enable the bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity of the incorporated active ingredients are e.g. methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and its alkali metal salts and partial salts with 2-aminomethylpropanol, diethylaminopropylamine and triisopropanolamine, copolymers of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone with vinyl acetate, vinyl 1-propionate, crotonic acid, long-chain α-olefins, alkylaminoacrylates and methacrylates, copolymers of vinyl acetate with crotonic acid, terpolymers of N-viny1-2-pyrrolidinone with vinyl acetate and vinyl propionate, or vinyl acetate and alkylaminoacrylates or methacrylates, quaternized copolymers of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, poly(methylvinyl-ethermaleic anhydride), and polymers with free carbonyl groups.

Most suitable are the film-forming polymers that contain free carboxyl groups in the molecules, particularly in the form of more water-soluble salts. After contact between the films of these and the acidic pH of normal skin, these groups are soon restored to the original carboxyl groups, and make the film less soluble by perspiration and external moisture. However, they are easily removed by washing with soap and water, as even the weak alkalinity of ordinary toilet soaps is sufficient to convert the carboxyl groups into the more soluble salt group. Suitable polymers are e.g. copolymers of vinyl acetate and crotonic acid, terpolymers of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone with vinyl acetate and alkylamino alkacrylates or methacrylates.

Suitable polymers are also methylcellulose, ethylhydroxycellulose or hydroxymethylcellulose or ethylcellulose. After choosing a suitable quality used together with a povidone-iodine or a povidone-iodine copolymer, they have the additional advantage of obtaining viscous, non-flowing liquids which provide even coverage of well-defined areas of the skin, resulting in a more long-lasting antiseptic protective film against infections after surgery, and with greater resistance to scraping when applied under plastic dressings and bandages, than has hitherto been possible to achieve. When N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone is a comonomer, the copolymer can be complexed directly with iodine using the poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone) component to serve as the iodine carrier.

Likewise, water-soluble alkali metal salts of carboxymethylcellulose can be used with other polymer film-forming substances at a pH preferably between 7.0 and 8.0, but not much below pH 6.0. Because of the ionic character

care must be taken when choosing the bactericidal agents that are part of the mixture, with regard to compatibility. They cannot therefore be used together with cationic ones

substances such as quaternary ammonium compounds.

Suitable examples of substances for partial salt formation of these polymers to make them more hydrophilic or even completely water soluble are: 2-aminomethylpropanol, diethylaminopropylamine and triisopropanolamine.

The dual purpose antiseptic liquids of the present invention are conveniently applied by any conventional method, such as smearing, brushing or smearing on the skin or using a suitable applicator.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides apparatus for applying a liquid to a surface, which comprises a container for the liquid which constitutes a reservoir, an applicator head in liquid connection therewith, a means which limits the flow of liquid between the reservoir and the applicator head, a first cover in connection with the container for filling with liquid and a second cover for the applicator head to prevent evaporation of liquid therefrom, the applicator head comprising a resilient porous pad retained in a hemispherical cover in contact with the liquid flow restricting means.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a representation of an applicator which is suitable for use together with the antiseptic liquids according to the invention. Figure 2 is an enlarged cutaway view of the applicator head shown in Figure 1.

Embodiments of the invention

The antiseptic liquids according to the invention can be applied using various known methods, such as e.g. spraying, brushing, dipping, smearing and the like.

The liquids can also be applied from an applicator of the type shown in the drawings. Such an applicator (1) is made up of a reservoir (2) for antiseptic liquid and has an outer cover (3) which can include a clip (4) so that the applicator can be safely carried in a pocket or the like.

The reservoir (2) is closed with a perforated, shaped cover (5) covered with a resilient porous pad (6) and held

in place using a cuff (7).

The pad (6) is preferably made of a synthetic springy plastic material such as e.g. open polyurethane foam, several layers of fine woven cotton cloth or absorbent felt. The pad (6) is held in place over a perforated hemispherical cover (5) which is clamped in place and which allows the passage of the antiseptic liquid. For the cover (5), a rigid plastic material that is not affected by the antiseptic liquid should be chosen. Suitable plastic materials are polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and -propylene, styrene and similar polymer materials. The perforation of the cover (5) is such that the pad (6) is moistened evenly, preferably by means of a number of small, symmetrically placed holes. The size of the perforations must, depending on the viscosity of the liquid, be such that there is no gravity input to the pad when turning the applicator (1),

and that a small pressure is needed on the reservoir (2) for the required amount of liquid to moisten the pad. When the applicator is not in use, it is hermetically sealed by means of a removable outer cover (3) which is either screwed or clamped on, and which is made of a similar material to the perforated hemispherical cover (5). This ensures that any vapors from the antiseptic liquid cannot escape, and that the pad (6) is thus kept continuously moist. This ensures that the device is not only protected against external contamination, but that it is always ready for use as no drying of the surface can occur.

The reservoir (2) is suitably made of a springy, semi-rigid material such as e.g. high density polyethylene or propylene which enables the antiseptic liquid to flow into the pad (6) when it is turned upside down after applying pressure to the sidewalls. A preferred way of filling the antiseptic liquid is by means of a flexible bag (not shown) which is connected to the perforated cover (5).

In such a case, the semi-rigid reservoir (2) will comprise an air valve. As the antiseptic liquid is drawn out of the flexible bag, the pressure of the air entering the reservoir (2) thus provides a continuous delivery of the antiseptic liquid to the pad (6) at the same rate as it is used up. The flexible bag can be made of any suitable material such as e.g. polyethylene or -propylene, nylon and the like.

The following examples illustrate preferred embodiments according to the invention. They should not be perceived as limiting the requirements. Unless otherwise stated, the ingredients are mixed using standard cold mixing procedures.

In all the examples, pH adjustments were made with phosphoric acid or an organic acid such as e.g. citric or lactic acid, or with a weak alkali such as e.g. triethanolamine.

Example 1

Disinfectant and dressing for first aid

The iodo complex of the copolymer was obtained using standard published methods for complexation with poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone).

Example 2

Disinfectant and dressing for first aid

The polymer was dissolved by adding it to the solvent mixture containing the chlorhexidine and the polyethylene glycol and a sufficient amount of the 2-aminomethyl-propanol to achieve dissolution was added. The pH was maintained between 6 and 7.

The mixture is suitable to be packaged as an aerosol spray using hydrocarbons as a propellant.

Example 3

Antiseptic "prepping" liquid and dressing

This liquid is useful for disinfection of the skin before the introduction of a hypodermic syringe, needle or general disinfection before and after surgical treatment: povidone-iodine containing 10% available iodine 10.0 g copolymer of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone/vinyl acetate

Example 4

Viscous antiseptic "prepping" liquid

This fluid can be used as a non-flowing, viscous antiseptic fluid for surgical prepping and dressing:

The hydroxyethyl cellulose grades with appropriate viscosity characteristics should be selected to provide sufficient viscosity to provide a free-flowing, sufficiently viscous film-forming fluid capable of accurately delineating the defined areas of skin to which it is applied.

Example 5

Antiseptic spray bandage

The chlorhexidine digluconate was added after an aqueous solution of both polymers had been obtained. The solution was then colored and the pH, if necessary, adjusted to between 6.5 - 7.0.

The methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose grades with appropriate viscosity characteristics should be selected to provide sufficient viscosity to provide a free-flowing, sufficiently viscous film-forming fluid capable of accurately delineating the defined areas of skin to which it is applied.

Example 6

Protective film (invisible glove)

This fluid can be used as a protective film under the surgeon's gloves or for first aid operations in the field:

The method of manufacture was the same as in example 2. The liquid is applied by wetting the entire hand and allowing the solvent to evaporate before surgical gloves are put on. In the case of an emergency where no gloves are available, the procedure is repeated twice.

Example 7

Antiseptic dressing

This liquid can be used as an antiseptic liquid for certain mild dermatological infections:

The trichlorohydroxydiphenyl ether was dissolved in the ethanol before mixing with the copolymer. The water was added as the final step.

Example 8

Antiseptic skin disinfectant and dressing for veterinary medicine application

The Antarox<®->product was added to the solution of "Tylopur". The pH was then adjusted to 4.5.

Antarox<®>VRO 2 0 and Antarox<®>CO 880 are from GAC Corporation, USA, "Tylopur MH" is a methylhydroxyethyl cellulose available from Hoechst AG, Federal Republic of Germany.

Example 9

Film-forming "Teat Pip" for mastitis prophylaxis

The liquid is prepared as described in example 8. The pH was adjusted to pH 4 with phosphoric acid.

Claims (12)

1. Antiseptic liquid with dual purpose, characterized in that it comprises at least one bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic agent, at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer and water. 2. Liquid according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one water-miscible, non-toxic, volatile liquid. 3. Liquid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises at least one topical local anesthetic agent. 4. Liquid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic agent is chlorhexidine digluconate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, benzalkonium chloride, triclosan, hexachlorophene, tribromsalan, triclocarban, cloflucarban, an iodophor or a mixture of two or more of these. 5. Liquid according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises at least one wetting agent. 6. Liquid according to claim 5, characterized in that the wetting agent is glycerol, sorbitol/diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or a non-ionic lanolin derivative. 7. Liquid according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the polymer is methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and its alkali metal salts and partial salts with 2-aminomethylpropanol, diethylaminopropylamine and triisopropanolamine, copolymers of N-vinyl-2- pyrrolidinone with vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, crotonic acid, long-chain oc-olefins, alkylaminoacrylates and -methacrylates, copolymers of vinyl acetate with crotonic acid, terpolymers of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone with vinyl acetate and vinyl propionate or with vinyl acetate and alkylaminoacrylates or -methacrylates, quaternized copolymers of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, poly(methyl-vinylethermaleic anhydride) and polymers with free carbonyl groups. 8. Liquid according to claim 7, characterized in that the polymer is carboxymethyl cellulose, a vinyl acetate-crotonic acid copolymer, a vinyl acetate vinyl propionate-crotonic acid terpolymer, a vinyl acetate-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone copolymer, a N-viny1-2-pyrrolidinone-long-chain-α-olefin -copolymer, an N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, a poly-(methylvinylethermaleic anhydride) or a quaternized copolymer of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate. 9. Liquid according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bactericidal agent is iodophor. 10. Liquid according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the polymer has N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone as a component, and that the bactericidal agent is formed by complex formation with iodine. 11. Liquid according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is contained in an apparatus which comprises a container for the liquid which constitutes a reservoir, an applicator head which is in liquid connection therewith, a liquid flow limiting means between the reservoir and the applicator head, a first cover connected to the container for filling with liquid and a second cover for the applicator head to prevent evaporation of liquid therefrom, the applicator head comprising a resilient porous pad held in place in a hemispherical cover in contact with the liquid flow restricting means. CHANGED REQUIREMENTS [received by the International Bureau on 5 September 1986 (05.09.86), original claims 1, 5, 7, 11 amended, 4 and 10 removed, others unchanged, claim 12 new] 1. Dual-purpose antiseptic liquid, characterized in that it comprises: at least one bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic agent selected from chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine salts, cetyltetramethylammonium bromide, benzalkonium chloride, triclosan, hexachlorophene, tribromsalan, triclocarban, cloflucarban, an iodophor or a mixture of two or several of them, at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible film-forming polymer and water in the form of a mainly aqueous solution which is characterized by the fact that a water-soluble film is obtained after application to skin surfaces and drying. 2. Liquid according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one water-miscible, non-toxic, volatile liquid. 3. Liquid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises at least one topical local anesthetic agent. 5. Liquid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises at least one wetting agent. 6. Liquid according to claim 5, characterized in that the wetting agent is glycerol, sorbitol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol or a non-ionic lanolin derivative. 7. Liquid according to one of claims 1 to 3, 5 or 6, characterized in that the polymer is methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and its alkali metal salts and partial salts with 2-aminomethylpropanol, diethylaminopropylamine and triisopropanolamine, copolymers of N- vinyl1-2-pyrrolidinone with vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, crotonic acid, long-chain α-olefins, alkylaminoacrylates and -methacrylates, copolymers of vinyl acetate with crotonic acid, terpolymers of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone with vinylacetate and vinylpropionate, or with vinylacetate and alkylaminoacrylates or -methacrylates , quaternized copolymers of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, poly(methyl-vinylethermaleic anhydride) and polymers with free carbonyl groups. 8. Liquid according to claim 7, characterized in that the polymer is carboxy-methyl cellulose, a vinyl acetate-crotonic acid copolymer, a vinyl acetate-vinylpropionate-crotonic acid terpolymer, a vinyl acetate-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone copolymer, an N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidinone long-chain α-olefin copolymer, an N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, a poly-(methylvinylethermaleic anhydride) or a quaternized copolymer of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone and dimethylaminoethyl-methacry lat. 9. Liquid according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bactericidal agent is an iodophor. 11. Liquid according to one of claims 1 to 3 or 5 to 9, characterized in that it is contained in an apparatus which comprises a container for the liquid which constitutes a reservoir, an applicator head which is in liquid connection therewith, a liquid flow limiting means between the reservoir and the applicator head, a first cover connected to the container for filling with liquid and a second cover for the applicator head to prevent evaporation of liquid therefrom, the applicator head comprising a resilient porous pad held in place in a hemispherical cover in contact with the liquid flow restricting means . 12. Liquid according to claim 9, characterized in that the iodophor is polyvinyl-pyrrolidinone.