TCP Antiseptic Liquid

EFFECTIVE BUT HAS A STRONG SMELL

When I was a child my mother kept a medicine box. This wasn't large and wouldn't have contained anything like the amount of different bottles, tubes and jars that most people use nowadays. There were a few essentials kept in here such as aspirin, calamine lotion, Germolene, camphorated oil, sticking plasters and, one product that graces many a medicine cupboard/first aid box today...TCP! As I used this as a child, then it must have been going for a long while.

My mum didn't go much for medicines and until she became seriously ill, wasn't one for taking medication often. As children though, if my brother and I were ill the doctor then we were taken to our G.P's surgery. A family doctor then was an important figure. When in the doctor's waiting room, we had to sit still on the hard, dark wooden chairs. Frightened to move until called. And if we had something to say then it had to be in a whisper. This revered respect left her somewhat in her later years.

TCP was used for many things. If we had a bad cut it would be diluted and cotton wool would be dipped in this and dabbed upon ones knee, elbow or wherever the graze was. OUCH! It stung! I always preferred it if mum chose to use Germolene. I seemed as a child to permanently have grazed knees. My uncle referred to me as having, 'two left legs!'

TCP has a strong antiseptic smell.

As a large extended family,y we often went on picnics and rambles to places such as Epping Forest and would also go blackberry picking. As a result of this nettle stings quite often happened and the TCP bottle would come out to treat these. It does work. It can also be used to treat insect bites and stings.

When my brother, followed by myself, became teenagers, TCP it was said, could be dabbed onto spots or problem skin, cleansing and reducing spots. I think by its very strength that this would prove to be of some benefit with teenage skin but as for every day use for this, I think it might be a little harsh and not the very best treatment available. However for any large spots or boils it is a an excellent treatment.

I personally find this a good treatment for cold sores and when, in my teens I felt the tell-tale warning tingling that a cold sore was about to erupt, a dab of neat TCP a few times during the day seems to halt the cold sore's development.

But my mother swore by TCP for soothing sore throats. The liquid would be diluted one to five parts water and gargled. But make sure you don't swallow this solution.I also think this is a very effective treatment for sore throats at the first sign of a cold or if a throat infection has developed. It eases soreness and, I feel, speeds up the recovery time.

I have also used TCP as gargle when suffering infection from wisdom teeth.

For mouth ulcers it does anaesthetise for a while and, I feel stops the spread. Not a cure, but a good treatment. With mouth ulcers I dab it on neat to numb the pain. In fact TCP is a good product to use as a mouthwash to keep breath fresh and infections away but, I feel, it needs to be well diluted when used for this purpose.

TCP is something that I have always kept in my first aid cupboard. It is a great all rounder and essential to have in case of emergencies. I also remember to take a small bottle on holiday, especially if travelling abroad. Thankfully, the bottle I took this year remained unopened but it's worth taking as a precaution. I always think the sooner this is used the better for quick and effective treatment from a wide range of conditions. *WARNINGS (As taken from www.boots.com):

Do not use if you have an allergic skin condition or are sensitive to the active ingredients.

If you swallow large amounts, drink plenty of water. If still unwell, see your doctor.

In normal use you should not suffer unwanted side effects. However, if you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Seek medical advice if symptons persist for more than a few days.

*KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Always read the product information leaflet before using this product.

Age Restriction
You must be at least 16 years old to purchase this product.

Precautions

This is a medicine; Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have an underlying medical condition, are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if, symptoms persist.

Seek advice before using if you are breast feeding, pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suffer from allergies.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

INGREDIENTS:

Active ingredients:

Aqueous Glycerol Solution of Halogenated Phenols 0.68% w/v and Phenol BP 0.175% w/v.

Other ingredients:

Concentrated Phosphoric Acid, E104 (Quinoline Yellow), Demineralised Water.

TCP can be bought from supermarkets and chemists. It comes in a range of bottle sizes. Boots are currently selling a 200 ml sized bottle for, £3.19.
Summary: A must for the First Aid cupboard.