Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances or compounds that are administered to living tissue or skin to prevent infection, sepsis, and putrefaction. Antiseptics are defined from antibiotics by their ability to safely eradicate germs within the body, while disinfectants are distinguished by their ability to destroy microorganisms found on non-living surfaces. Antibacterials are antiseptics that have been shown to be effective against bacteria. Viricides or antivirals are microbicides that kill virus particles. Antifungals, commonly referred to as antimycotics, are fungicides that are used to treat and prevent mycosis (fungal infection).