Based on the available evidence, iodine was an effective antiseptic agent that was not associated with adverse side effects or delays in the healing process, particularly for chronic and burn wounds. The antiseptic effects of iodine were not inferior to other antiseptic agents and did not impair wound healing.
Do not use topical iodine on deep, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns. To do so may increase the chance of side effects. Do not cover the wound to which you have applied topical iodine with a tight dressing or bandage since this may increase the chance of side effects.
Iodine is an antiseptic that kills bacteria and pathogens (Lawrence, 1998). In the past its clinical use was limited by the fact that elemental iodine can cause irritation to the skin, be absorbed systemically and is almost insoluble in water.
How to use Betadine to prevent minor infections in cuts and wounds. Using Betadine antiseptic products helps kill bacteria responsible for minor wound infections. To use Betadine for a minor wound, take the following steps: Wash your hands before you start working on the wound to help prevent infection.
Once again, however, experts agree that Betadine is too harsh to put on a healing wound. Side effects include skin irritation, but if Betadine is used on large wounds it may cause kidney problems, high blood sodium, and metabolic acidosis to occur.
iodine: What's the difference? Betadine is a type of iodine. Iodine is a halogen element used in medicine as an antiseptic. Betadine is a brand name for povidone-iodine, a combination of iodine and polyvinylpyrrolidone, that's also used as an antiseptic.
Wounds heal faster if they are kept warm. Try to be quick when changing dressings. Exposing a wound to the open air can drop its temperature and may slow healing for a few hours. Don't use antiseptic creams, washes or sprays on a chronic wound.
High iodine intakes can also cause thyroid gland inflammation and thyroid cancer. Getting a very large dose of iodine (several grams, for example) can cause burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach; fever; stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; weak pulse; and coma.
apply a sterile dressing, such as a non-adhesive pad with a bandage, or a plaster – use a waterproof dressing if available. if blood soaks through the dressing, leave it in place and add another dressing, and continue to apply pressure on the wound.
Wounds need to be covered so that they can heal properly. When a wound is left uncovered, the new surface cells that are being created can easily dry out. When these important cells dry out, it tends to slow down the healing process. A wound should be covered using a clean bandage.
Make sure the iodine is dry enough and does not stain skin or clothing. Don't forget to rotate the spot of iodine application. Otherwise, regular application of iodine on the same spot can damage the skin in the area. Don't take a shower right after applying iodine.
We recommend allowing 10 minutes drying time after povidone-iodine painting of the surgical field for preoperative preparation.
Excessive iodine consumption can lead to similar symptoms as iodine deficiency, including thyroid dysfunction and goiter. Too much iodine may lead to thyroiditis and thyroid papillary cancer. At very high levels, iodine poisoning can cause: burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach.
Tincture of iodine and betadine are topical medications used as antiseptics and can cause a rash or blistering when applied topically and will lead to more severe toxicity if accidentally ingested.
Debridement. Debridement is the most common treatment for stubborn to heal wounds, and involves the removal of unhealthy tissue within a chronic wound to promote the growth of healthy tissue, reduce complications of infection, and speed up the healing process.
Infected cuts and scrapes heal much more slowly than those kept clean and infection-free. One of the best ointments to treat infection is NEOSPORIN® — the #1 doctor recommended brand of topical antibiotic in the US. Try NEOSPORIN® + Pain, Itch, Scar Open link in new window, which: Provides 24-hour infection protection.
Keeping a wound clean and moist is vital to proper healing. Using mild soap and water prior to applying antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly and covering with a bandage or dressing is often sufficient in providing a wound the necessary environment to repair itself.
Povidone iodine is an effective antiseptic that does not impede wound healing. Povidone iodine is bactericidal against Gram-positive and -negative organisms. No acquired bacterial resistance or cross-resistance has been reported for iodine. Povidone iodine aids healing in a range of acute and chronic wounds.
Iodine has been used as a disinfectant and anti-fungal agent for more than a century. Standard tincture of iodine can stain the skin brown, which is why people use “white” iodine. Humco makes iodides tincture (decolorized iodine). Your pharmacy can order it or you may find it at Humco.com.
Topical iodine is used to prevent and treat infections that may occur in minor scrapes and cuts. It works by killing bacteria that can cause infections.
A cream such as Bepanthen ® Antiseptic Cream supports the healing of damaged skin and provides an effective treatment of cuts, abrasions, scalds, insect bites, stings and sunburn. Cover the cleaned wound with an appropriate non-stick sterile dressing.
Antibiotic ointments (such as Neosporin) help wounds heal by keeping out infection and by keeping the wound clean and moist. If your child has stitches, your doctor will tell you whether you should use an antibiotic ointment.
Strong antiseptic solutions (e.g. hydrogen peroxide or iodine) should not be used to wash open wounds, because they can cause tissue damage. While antiseptic creams will clean the surrounding skin, they can also be irritating to wounds, painful on application and delay healing.
Iodine binds to glycogen, a substance that is present in squamous epithelial cells throughout the body. Normal squamous epithelial cells will have a characteristic brown (“stained”) appearance following topical application of Lugol's iodine.