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Why did doctors use antiseptics on smallpox pustules?
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smallpox
Edward Jenner vaccinating his child against smallpox; colored engraving.
Doctors applied antiseptics to smallpox pustules specifically to prevent secondary infection.1
Because smallpox treatment was limited once symptoms appeared, medical care focused on keeping the patient clean and comfortable while managing symptoms. By inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on the skin, antiseptics helped protect the open lesions from becoming further infected.12