Povidone iodine solution first aid antiseptic: how does it work?

Povidone iodine, also known as iodopovidone, excellent-iodine, and Puweilong iodine, is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. Povidone iodine solution first aid antiseptic is a type of iodine tincture, used for skin disinfection and sterilization before and after surgery, prevention and treatment of local wound infections, and first aid for minor cuts, abrasions, burns, and blisters.

Povidone iodine solution first aid antiseptic is a polyvidone chemical polymer and iodine element, containing 9% to 12% iodine. Its mechanism of action is the death of microorganisms caused by the release of iodine. It has a wide range of antibacterial activity and has a killing effect on bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. This is an over-the-counter drug.

Povidone iodine entered commercial use in 1955 and is one of the World Health Organization's essential medicines list and the most important drug in the basic health system.

In the solution, the iodine element in povidone iodine is slowly released, and it has been proven that bacteria do not develop resistance to povidone iodine, and the human sensitization rate is only 0.7%. Therefore, povidone iodine is widely used in medicine, for surgical scrubbing, skin cleaning before and after surgery, prevention and treatment of infected wounds, ulcers, cuts, burns, bedsore infections and treatment of congestive ulcers, gynecological vaginitis, candida, trichomoniasis or mixed infections.

How to use povidone iodine solution first aid antiseptic？

- For external use, dip a small amount with a cotton swab and apply topically from the center to the periphery, 1-2 times a day.

- Surgical disinfection: scrub with 0.5% solution for 5 minutes. Disinfection of injection site, more than 30 seconds.

- Disinfection of surgical field skin: Apply 0.5% solution evenly twice.

- Mucosal trauma or infection: rinse with 0.1%~0.025% solution.

- Skin infection: Apply 0.5% solution topically.

Povidone iodine solution first aid antiseptic side effects may include skin irritation. If applied to large wounds, people with poor renal function may develop hypernatremia and metabolic acidosis. It is not recommended for people who are less than 32 weeks pregnant or taking lithium salts. People with thyroid problems are advised not to use it frequently.