One of the most prominent antiseptics is Povidone iodine that is effective against a range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. It has proven effective in the prevention of infections and has been used as a standard in various medical scenarios for preoperative skin sterilization and for managing small infections of skin. This antiseptic is suitable and readily available for both health care providers and consumers as it acts faster.
Povidone iodine was created in the 1950s when iodine was combined with the water soluble polymer Povidone, and this combination changed the way antiseptics worked. Iodine was stabilized, which means it releases gradually when it comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes and was able to exert antimicrobial activity for long periods of time while also being less irritating than iodine.
In this blog, we are going to learn more about this antiseptic, including its working, applications and benefits.
How Povidone Iodine Works
The basic chemical mechanism of antibacterial properties lies in how iodine molecules are released that cause the functional disruption of the cellular structure of microorganisms, thereby killing or inactivating them. It can be easily applied to the skin and works continuously, releasing iodine even after being absorbed into the skin, providing a protective layer over the skin and killing bacteria present on wounds and other foreign bacteria. It is non-toxic and non-irritating, so it can be used on multiple occasions and in areas that are sensitive.
It’s Applications:
- Wound Care: It is commonly used during wound management, on cuts and abrasions. Decreasing the bacterial load and infection of the wound helps in the healing process.
- Surgical Prep: This antiseptic is used to swab and disinfect preoperative sites in efforts to prevent infection post-operatively.
- Oral and Dental Use: It can also be used to treat oral infections and preoperative mouthwash and is commonly used in gingival and canker sore treatments.
- First Aid: For any minor injury, skin burns or infections, it is beneficial during the first aid procedure as the risk of infection is low.
Benefits of Povidone Iodine as an Antiseptic
1. Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity: Due to its anti-microbial action it is considered among the most important agents in controlling a variety of infectious diseases.
2. Prolonged Action: There is also a reduction in application frequency requirements as a result of the continual release of iodine for the lasting antimicrobial effects.
3. Safe for Skin: It’s gentle and is milder than most antiseptics which makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin or an allergy to any other antiseptic agents.
4. Multi-Purpose: This is effective in numerous settings from wound management to oral management and thus, offers healthcare providers an efficient way to manage infection.
Conclusion
Povidone iodine has certainly earned its position as a first line of defense antiseptic that has value both in dermatological and traditional medical care. Glowria Lifecare is one of the renowned manufacturers of pharmaceutical externals, active pharmaceutical ingredients PVPI solutions. We deal in Third-Party Manufacturing of PVPI API and formulations.
