Traditional belief debunked: Surgeon challenges long-held misconception from the 1990s about iodine and wound care
Title: Iodine: A Rusty Tool in Wound Care – Modern Medicine has Better Options
In the home apothecary of many Russians, iodine is a go-to for treating cuts, scrapes, and even deep wounds. But health experts sound a stark warning – this method is archaic and can do more harm than good.
As Dr. Elvin Guseinov, a surgeon and proctologist, explains, iodine can wreak havoc on living tissues. Contrary to old beliefs, iodine can cause chemical burns, cell death, and potentially impede the healing process, increasing the risk of infection. Indeed, "Gazeta.ru" (18+) has reported instances of this.
"Iodine can demolish cell membranes, causing tissue necrosis. In turn, treating a wound with iodine can slow down healing and enhance the risk of infection," the specialist stresses. Not only that, frequent use of iodine may foster the survival of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In large quantities, iodine can also be absorbed into the bloodstream and have harmful effects, including damaging thyroid function.
Today, modern, safer alternatives have replaced outdated and aggressive methods. Medical professionals prefer antiseptics based on chlorhexidine and wound-healing ointments and gels with antimicrobial properties. These perform effectively without damaging tissues.
Take, for example, chlorhexidine. This antiseptic boasts broad-spectrum action against bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses. It's gentle on the skin, doesn't impede healing, and is available in various easy-to-use forms like solutions, sprays, and wipes.
On the other hand, povidone-iodine is an advanced, less irritating form of iodine used in antiseptic solutions and ointments. It's water-soluble, easy to apply and remove, and offers broad-spectrum activity. Povidone-iodine is gentler on tissues and is commonly used for minor cuts, burns, surgical site preparation, and chronic wound management. However, even with povidone-iodine, care should be taken to avoid overuse, especially on deep or large wounds.
In summary:
| Feature | Iodine (Pure) | Povidone-Iodine | Chlorhexidine ||-----------------------|---------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------|| Spectrum of Action | Bacteria (surface) | Bacteria, viruses, fungi | Bacteria, fungi, some viruses || Penetration | Limited (surface only) | Moderate (water-soluble) | Good || Tissue Irritation | High | Low-Moderate | Low || Risk of Allergic Reaction | Yes (rare) | Yes (rare) | Very low || Impact on Healing | May delay | Promotes healing | Promotes healing || Scar Formation | Increases risk | Reduces risk | Reduces risk |
Medical professionals strongly advise consulting with a healthcare professional for guidance on wound care, especially for deep or infected wounds. Remember – old habits die hard, but it's crucial to make the switch to modern, safer methods for a healthier future.
In the realm of medical-conditions and health-and-wellness, it's essential to recognize that iodine, despite being a traditional therapy-and-treatment for wounds, can cause harm due to its potential to impede healing and increase the risk of infection. On the other hand, modern alternatives such as chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine, offer safer, more effective options, with chlorhexidine providing a broad-spectrum action against bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses, and less tissue irritation, thus promoting healing rather than delaying it.
