Betadine is
povidone-
iodine, an
antiseptic microbicide that can be used for wound cleaning. If you buy it at a drug store, you will get 10% strength, which is equal to 1% available iodine.
Betadine can be used full strength for the cleaning of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It can be used once or twice daily until the wound is healed. You can spray it on, drip it on, or soak the injured part.
This stuff is routinely used by doctors for preparing the skin for surgery, when it is liberally applied and allowed to soak in for at least two minutes.
For external use only. In case of deep or puncture wounds or serious burns, consult a physician. If redness, irritation, swelling or pain persists or increases, or if infection occurs, discontinue use and consult physician. And of course, keep out of reach of children.
If you use it too much, here's what can happen:
- Allergy: Iodine-containing medicines are sometimes injected by doctors and death from anaphylaxis might occur if the patient has previously developed iodine allergy.
- Damage to the healing cells, especially if used on piercings.
- Skin discoloration