How does Betadine® work?
What is Betadine?
Betadine is a broad-spectrum topical iodine solution. Iodine preparations have been used for over 170 years to help treat wounds. An antiseptic is a substance that kills or discourages the growth and development of microorganisms on the skin, wounds and tissues of the body. Early iodine solutions were associated with skin irritations, including skin discolouration, pain and irritation. To help overcome these irritations, a ‘tamed-iodine’ povidone-iodine solution was developed.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Betadine — an antiseptic.
The povidone‐iodine solution in Betadine is made up of elemental iodine bound to polyvinylpyrrolidone, an ingredient you can frequently find in cosmetic products such as hair spray, lipstick, toothpaste, and shampoos. This allows an amount of iodine to remain free and active, while the rest is loosely bound, providing a reservoir to replenish the active iodine as it is used up. This slow release of the iodine makes povidone‐iodine a generally well-tolerated microbicidal, killing bacteria.
How does povidone-iodine kill bacteria?
Although the exact antimicrobial mode of action of iodine is yet to be fully understood, it appears to have the ability to penetrate the cell wall of bacteria and affect its structure and function. This helps protect against minor wound and skin infections.
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.
- Wash the wound with mild soap and water.
- Stop the bleeding — apply pressure to the wound using a clean washcloth or gauze. Maintain pressure for one to two minutes or until the bleeding stops.
- Apply a Betadine antiseptic cream or ointment and cover the wound with a sterile non‐stick dressing. Change the dressing daily, and keep the wound covered until it heals.
Using the Betadine range at home.
The Betadine antiseptic range consists of an antiseptic liquid, spray, cream and ointment. When applied to the skin, the brown colour of Betadine shows that the povidone‐iodine is active and the bactericidal properties are working. Please read the product packaging on the instructions for use.
Besides minor cuts, wounds and abrasions other products in the Betadine range can be used in conditions such as:
- Cold sores — Betadine Cold Sore Ointment can assist in the management of cold sore outbreaks.
- Sore throats — Betadine sore throat gargles kill bacteria that can cause sore throats.
Speak to your health professional to see if Betadine products are right for you. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Betadine application in hospitals.
Betadine has been used in hospitals for over 50 years to help prevent infection before surgery. Medical professionals use Betadine for handwashing and to prepare the patient’s skin before surgery by reducing the number of microorganisms on the skin.
Betadine antiseptic products provide the antibacterial power of iodine in a generally well-tolerated, effective povidone-iodine format for topical use at home. Learn more about Betadine products here.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Betadine is a registered trademark of Mundipharma AG, used under licence.
MAT-AU-2203363. Dec 2022.
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