Iodine (medical use)

Iodine (medical use)

Iodine is a chemical element that is often used in medicine due to its antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used as a topical antiseptic in the form of Povidone-iodine, and is also used in the treatment of thyroid diseases.

Medical Uses[edit | edit source]

Antiseptic[edit | edit source]

Iodine is used as an antiseptic in various forms. The most common form is Povidone-iodine, which is a complex of iodine and a water-soluble polymer called povidone. It is used in the prevention of infection in minor cuts, burns and scrapes. It is also used in surgical procedures to prevent surgical site infections.

Thyroid Diseases[edit | edit source]

Iodine is used in the treatment of thyroid diseases. It is used in the form of Potassium iodide to treat hyperthyroidism and to protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine in cases of nuclear accidents. It is also used in the form of Radioactive iodine for the treatment of thyroid cancer and Graves' disease.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

The use of iodine in medicine can cause side effects in some people. These can include skin irritation when used topically, and thyroid dysfunction when used systemically. In rare cases, it can cause iodine-induced hyperthyroidism or iodine-induced hypothyroidism.

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