Povidone-iodine

Povidone-iodine is the main household antiseptic of the Spanish pharmacy: Betadine sits in almost every first aid box. The AEMPS ficha técnica frames the indication as a general skin antiseptic for small wounds, superficial cuts, minor burns and grazes: the area is washed and dried, then a small amount is applied 2 to 3 times a day. The spectrum is broad – bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores – and resistance does not arise. The limits matter more than the promises: the ficha asks to avoid regular and prolonged use, especially with burns over 20 percent of body surface, large open wounds, hepatic and renal failure, thyroid disease and lithium treatment. The product is contraindicated in newborns from 0 to 1 month.

For a small burn povidone-iodine is used as an antiseptic, and the AEMPS ficha técnica names that indication directly. How much antiseptics change burn outcomes is less clear: the 2017 Cochrane review gathered 56 studies and concluded that the evidence is of low and very low quality, and that confident judgement about the effect of antiseptics on healing and infection cannot be drawn from it. The practical conclusion is not «do not use» but «do not overrate»: first the burn is cooled under running water for 20 minutes, then covered with a clean dressing. Iodine on an extensive burn surface is separately dangerous – absorption rises and the thyroid responds, which is why the ficha limits use with burns over 20 percent of the body. Blisters, a deep burn, the face, hands and joints are a reason to see a doctor.

ICD-10: T20-T32 · ICD-11: ND90-ND9Z