Tincture of iodine
(Redirected from Iodine tincture)
Tincture of Iodine[edit | edit source]
Tincture of Iodine is a traditional antiseptic solution consisting of elemental iodine dissolved in ethyl alcohol. It has been widely used for its antibacterial properties, primarily for the disinfection of wounds, skin preparation before surgery, and to sterilize the skin where injections are to be administered. Its antiseptic action is attributed to the elemental iodine's ability to penetrate microbial cells and disrupt protein and nucleic acid structure and synthesis.
Composition[edit | edit source]
Tincture of Iodine typically contains 2-7% elemental iodine, along with a solubilizing agent (potassium iodide) in a solution of ethyl alcohol. The potassium iodide is present to increase the solubility of iodine.
Uses[edit | edit source]
- Wound Disinfection: Applied to minor cuts, abrasions, and wounds to prevent infection.
- Surgical Prep: Used to sterilize the skin before surgical procedures.
- Water Disinfection: In emergency situations, it can be used to disinfect drinking water.
Application Methods[edit | edit source]
Tincture of Iodine is applied topically to the affected area using a cotton swab or gauze. For wound care, the area should be cleaned before application. When used for water disinfection, guidelines for the appropriate concentration must be followed to ensure safety.
Benefits[edit | edit source]
- Effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Rapid onset of action.
- Additionally, provides a visual indicator that the area has been treated due to its distinctive brown color.
Precautions[edit | edit source]
- May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Not recommended for regular use on large areas of the skin.
- Use with caution on sensitive areas or on those with thyroid conditions.
Historical Significance[edit | edit source]
Developed in the 19th century, Tincture of Iodine was one of the first antiseptics used in surgery and wound care, marking a significant advancement in medical hygiene and infection control.
See Also[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Disinfection and Sterilization
| Tincture of iodine Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen
