Vouvray's Other World Wide Product

British households might be surprised to learn that TCP, a staple of their First Aid cabinets, is made in France, in Vouvray, more known for its beautiful wines, twenty minutes from Amboise.

Introduced over a hundred years ago it’s still the go to antiseptic for colds, flu, sore throats, mouth ulcers, cuts, grazes, insect bites, stings and spots. The famous acronym stands for Tri-Chloro-Phenyl-methyl-iodo-salicyl.

The fact that the phenyl in antiseptic is widely and cheaply available to all is thanks to Joseph Lister who pioneered the use of antiseptic in the late 1800s. Before him, it did not occur to surgeons to wash their hands before operating. Until Lister’s use of phenyl, patients were more likely to die from infection following treatment than from the original injury. Lister used it to sterilise his surgical instruments. After seeing the results, other surgeons followed, completely changing surgical practice.

Phenyl was discovered in 1834 when it was extracted from coal tar – a by-product of coal. Also known as carbolic acid, it’s the main ingredient in Lifebuoy soap distributed by the Red Cross in disaster areas. It was used in all schools in England until 1970.

The once experienced, never forgotten, distinctive smell was a running gag in One Foot in the Grave, a UK TV comedy show. The previous owner of Victor Meldrew’s house used it and the aroma had stayed in the wallpaper meaning Victor had to redecorate.

Post by Pamela