The basic mechanism involves irritation coupled with maceration and pressure. If the betadine solution has not been allowed to dry and has been trapped under the body of the patient in a pooled dependent position, such as the buttocks or under a tourniquet, the solution may irritate the skin and result in a skin burn.
Q: What is the “No-Sting Promise”? A: Betadine products do not contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can sting when applied.
The commonly postulated mechanism is a chemical burn due to irritation coupled with maceration, friction, and pressure.
What are the side effects of betadine? While most patients do not experience any side effects, a few common ones include burning, redness, or irritation when applied topically to the affected area. If any of these symptoms worsen or persist, patients must seek the advice of a doctor.
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.
Betadine 10% Ointment may cause some side effects like burning sensation, redness, or irritation at the site of application. If any of these side effects do not resolve with time or worsen, consult your doctor. Avoid using this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Topical antiseptics are useful for reducing bacterial counts on intact skin in preparation for surgery. Povidone-iodine (Betadine) and chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens) have emerged as the two agents of choice. However, antiseptics have been shown to be toxic to healing tissue, and should not be used on open wounds.
When wound is dry, pour a small amount of Betadine onto a cotton ball and dab over wet, affected areas. Allow the Betadine to dry for two to three minutes.
If you use too much Betadine Antiseptic Topical Ointment
If you think that you have used too much Betadine Antiseptic Topical Ointment, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should not use Betadine if you are allergic to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Betadine is safe to use if you have any medical conditions or allergies.
Betadine Antiseptic Topical Ointment is used as an antiseptic for the treatment of common skin infections such as infections of the skin around the nails, prevention of infections in minor burns, cuts and abrasions.
Based on the available evidence from clinical trials, iodine is an effective antiseptic agent that shows neither the purported harmful effects nor a delay of the wound-healing process, particularly in chronic and burn wounds.
Antiseptic-anesthetic first aid formulations typically produce a burning or stinging sensation when used on wounds.
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent with a wide range of uses, that can disinfect without stinging, is safe for sensitive skin and doesn't stain! Available as a spray or in single doses, the URGO antiseptic range with chlorhexidine is an essential first aid tool.
Nociceptive pain – This kind of pain arises due to damage in the tissue at the wound site. Described mostly as throbbing or aching sensation, the nerve endings in the damaged tissue pick up sensory signals from the wound and send them to the brain.
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.
Serious side effects of Betadine
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Clean and dry the affected area as directed. If you are using the ointment or cream, apply a small amount of the medication in a thin layer on the skin, usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.
Because bacteria on the skin appeared significantly reduced by allowing povidone-iodine to dry for 10 minutes prior to surgery, we recommend this approach to reduce the incidence of postoperative infections.
In addition, a high iodine concentration is more likely to result in an unpleasant stinging or burning sensation that may cause patients to remove the surface 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.
You should keep a wound moist and covered for about five days.
Povidone‐iodine has been FDA approved for short‐term treatment of superficial and acute wounds.