What is iodine and how is it used?

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What is Iodine? Iodine (Iodine) is a mineral that plays an essential role in the diet. In addition, Iodine is also a topical antiseptic, for external use. The following article will clarify information and how to use Iodine antiseptic.

1. What effect does Iodine have?

What is Iodine? This is an antiseptic, wound healing. Specific indications are as follows:
Antiseptic: Preventing the risk of infection of small, superficial wounds on the skin, wounds and ulcers with fluid, reducing the microbial load in the wound. Iodine Cadexomer gel and Iodine Cadexomer impregnated paper are used to clear sores, oozing wounds (pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, traumatic wounds, infected surgical wounds), and are not effective. in cleaning dry wounds; Antiseptic skin before surgery Wound healing: Iodine Cadexomer gel and Iodine Cadexomer impregnated paper are used to slow the formation of necrotic lip membranes, keeping the lesions softer. Contraindications of Iodine are:
People with hypersensitivity to Iodine or any ingredient in the Iodine drug formulation; Iodine Cadexomer gel and Iodine Cadexomer paper are contraindicated in thyroid disorders (non-toxic nodular goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, history of Graves' disease), pregnant or lactating women.

2. Dosage and how to use Iodine

After understanding what Iodine is, users need to know how to use and dose Iodine:
2.1 For adults Local antiseptic: Iodine solution or tincture: Apply to the affected area as needed; Self-administering solution or tincture of Iodine: Apply a small amount to the injured area 1-3 times a day for up to 10 days; Paper impregnated with Iodine Cadexomer: Apply a piece of paper to the wound, change it 3 times a week or until the color changes from brown to yellow-gray. The number of times of application should be reduced when the exudate in the wound is reduced. Discontinue treatment if the wound is no longer exuding. Do not use paper impregnated with Iodine Cadexomer for more than 3 months; Gel Iodine Cadexomer: Apply a sufficient amount of gel to completely cover the wound (3 - 6mm thick), onto a clean, dry sterile gauze, and then apply the gauze to the wound. Reapply the gel 3 times a week or until the color changes from brown to yellow-gray. Reduce the number of times the gel is applied as the wound discharge decreases. Treatment should be stopped when the wound is no longer exuding. Pay attention to apply up to 50g gel/time, maximum 150g gel/week, do not use more than 3 months. 2.2 For children Local antiseptic: Iodine solution or tincture: Apply to the affected area as needed; Self-administering solution or tincture of Iodine: Apply a small amount to the injured area 1-3 times a day for up to 10 days;

3. What are the side effects when using Iodine?

When using Iodine, patients may experience some side effects such as: Eczema, localized erythema, hypersensitivity reactions, local irritation, increased levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, headache, acne. skin rash, local pain, local edema, urticaria, diarrhea, hypothyroidism, lymphadenopathy, mucous membrane bleeding, eosinophilia, angioedema, eyelid edema, pulmonary edema, arthralgia , fever,...

4. What are the precautions when using Iodine?

Some things users should be aware of when using Iodine:
There is a risk of hypersensitivity reactions: Hypersensitivity, edema, allergic reaction or rash, angioedema, joints, skin/mucous haemorrhage, rash urticaria, purpura, eosinophilia; Skin effects: Tissue irritation (stinging, burning sensation) with skin redness, possibly skin discoloration; Endocrine effects: Risk of changes in thyroid metabolism, increased TSH levels; Cross-contamination: There is a risk of cross-contamination when using Iodine Cadexomer paper or gel tubes; Increased wound size: The wound may be larger in the first days of treatment with Iodine Cadexomer paper or Iodine Cadexomer gel due to reduced edema; Other reactions: Iodine vapor may cause eye or respiratory irritation; there may be a slight transient pain in the first few hours after using Iodine Cadexomer; Do not use Iodine Cadexomer paper or Iodine Cadexomer gel in patients with severe renal impairment; Consult your doctor before using Iodine, Iodine Cadexomer blotting paper or Iodine Cadexomer gel in pregnant and nursing women. The article helps answer the question of what Iodine is, instructions for use and some notes when using Iodine. Patients need to follow all instructions of the doctor when using this antiseptic product. If there are abnormal symptoms that warn of an allergic reaction, the patient should notify the doctor immediately for timely treatment.
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