What is the primary purpose of an antiseptic agent?

The primary purpose of an antiseptic agent is to cleanse superficial wounds. Antiseptics are designed to reduce or eliminate pathogens on living tissues, particularly when treating minor injuries, cuts, or abrasions. They aid in preventing infections by cleaning the area where skin integrity has been compromised, thereby promoting healing and hygiene.

While other options touch on related concepts, they don't accurately reflect the primary role of antiseptics. The aim is not necessarily to kill all microorganisms, as that is more aligned with disinfectants, which are used on non-living surfaces. Similarly, sanitizing skin surfaces is more generic and may not focus specifically on the wound care context, and creating blisters is not associated with the function of antiseptics at all. The emphasis on cleansing superficial wounds highlights the preventive aspect of antiseptics in skin care practices.