What is povidone-iodine for?

The povidone – iodine is an antiseptic microbicida- prescribed against viruses and bacteria that effectively acts to disinfect open skin wounds, burns or other injury needs this care. Also, with it you can sterilize surgical materials, disinfect surgical areas and it is an excellent aid to disinfect the throat and mouth when they are infected.

Its presentation is based on a 10% concentrated solution that can be used as it comes in the container or a little more diluted. It is applied over the open wound to clean and eliminate any bacteria, fungus or germ that lodges in the area, thus avoiding local infections.

Components of Iodopovidone.

It is made as its name indicates, based on molecular iodine and povidone in approximately 10% of its composition.

In more exact quantities, we can speak of having povidone iodine in 10g, stabilizing substances in an amount of 0.1g and 100ml of CSP distilled water.

The povidone component (also known as polyvinylpyrrolidone, abbreviated PVP), is a water-soluble polymer that mixes with iodine to make that other substance soluble.Its use is properly accepted in people and animals, it is not limited in any way. Thanks to its concentration of components, it adheres to the skin creating a more effective and lasting cleaning than is achieved with other products with this same function.

Forms in which it is presented.

This medicine is available in three different presentations

• Oropharyngeal solution , which is applied to disinfect the areas of the mouth and throat.
• Foamy solution , for cleaning wounds or pre-surgical washing of hands and implements to operate.
• Topical solution , which is used to disinfect local wounds on the skin, such as scrapes, burns, among others.

Any of its presentations comes in containers of 100 or 120ml.

Specific uses of povidone-iodine.

As mentioned above, it is used to clean any area of ​​the skin, eliminating the presence of fungi, bacteria or germs in general to prevent wounds from becoming infected. It is used, for example, at the time of performing a surgical intervention, to clean the implements that will be used, as well as the area of ​​the body where the surgery or procedure will be carried out.

In these cases it is recommended to clean the area twice with the substance. Likewise, it can be used to clean the umbilical cord at the time of the birth of a baby (using the pure product, undiluted), to treat already existing fungi on the skin, as well as herpes, where it is suggested to apply twice a day the product.

When a wound opens on the skin, or there is a slight burn or cut, it is recommended to apply this liquid substance to prevent fungi and infections from appearing after contact with bacteria in the environment.

Likewise, in any situation where you want to use this product, it is necessary to wash the area where it is going to be applied first with soap and water, to remove any large traces of dirt and that it can correctly take care of eliminating residual bacteria.

Who can use povidone iodine?

Any child or adult can use this product to eliminate bacteria and fungi, but in the case of babies, pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, it is necessary to consult with a medical specialist before applying it, to avoid any type of contraindication.

It cannot be used by any patient who has an allergy to iodine, which is the main component. Nor should it be applied to lesions caused by tuberculosis or of the lepromatous type.

How to use the medicine

The way in which the substance is used depends mainly on its presentation, the foamy solution is applied to problem skin and mucous areas, it is also used to clean the hands and surgical implements before an operation. Its function is fulfilled approximately 15 seconds after applying it.

In the case of the oropharyngeal solution for mouth and throat, in cases of rinsing it is necessary to dissolve between 1 and 2 small tablespoons in half a glass of water, which can be cold or hot according to taste.

If it is for simply oral hygiene, half a tablespoon should also be poured into half a glass of water at the desired temperature and finally, for injuries in the mouth, it is applied directly to the affected area with a swab or cotton.

The topical solution should simply be applied to the area of ​​the skin that is affected. As in the foamy solution, in all its presentations the action of the component begins to take effect approximately 15 seconds after it is applied.

How should it be stored?

It is important, in order to maintain the medication properly, follow the indications shown in the instructions.

It should not be stored in humid spaces, it is recommended that it be kept in a cool place and at room temperature. Once its expiration date has passed, it must be disposed of properly, its application is not recommended if it is appreciated that the product has expired.

Side effects

The appearance of secondary reactions is very unlikely, as long as all the indications given above are taken into account and it is not applied in infants or in patients with an allergy to iodine or with infections specified above.

However, if any adverse effect appears, this could be redness in the area where it was applied, edema, dermatitis, or renal diffusion in very extreme cases. It is important that the product does not come into contact with the eyes and if it is not an oropharyngeal solution, it should not be in contact with the mouth either.

As long as the necessary presentation for the affected area is used and the presented norms of use are followed. There are no risks of any kind in terms of side effects. In isolated cases where they may appear, it is necessary to stop treatment and if discomfort persists, contact a specialist.