For Wound Cleaning - Isoprophyl alcohol vs. Povidone-iodine?
By krystalheart
@krystalheart (842)
Philippines
January 22, 2010 1:15pm CST
Hi there Everyone,Before, I always used isoprophyl alcohol in any wound cleaning. Honestly alcohol really gives me unexplainable painful sensation in my wound area where it is being applied. I really hate that feeling despite the fact that alcohol is best in cleaning and drying wounds.
Now, I use povidone-iodine instead of alcohol in cleaning wound areas. It does not give any painful feeling like the alcohol dose. But one thing I hate bout it is its dark brown color that stain to my skin unlike alcohol that does not give any stain. Still, I prefer it for the fact that it does not give me pain.
So how bout you there... what do you use for wound cleaning?... alcohol or povidone-iodine commonly known in the brand name of Betadine?....
7 people like this
9 responses
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
23 Jan 10
My roomie had an open wound (diabetic pressure wound) on her foot and the first 10 days the doc had us cleaning ith with betadine - guess which will be my choice from now on?
generally I just wash mine with soap and water - peroxide seems to give me infections - probably just my problem (since I'm allergic to the planet!)
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
23 Jan 10
I guess the only draw back to iodine is that while its a good cleanser - it also sort of prevents healing (its clean but stays open)
After the cleaning part, then we went to healing and I washed the wound with clean water before putting the dressing on it.
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
22 Jan 10
I have read that such treatments on wounds, though they do kill germs, can further damage skin. I now use diluted peroxide, as it cleans deeply and "foams" out germs. I then pat dry the wound and put some anti-biotic ointment and a bandaid on it.
Karen2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157555)
• United States
23 Jan 10
Until a couple of years ago I would have used hydrogen peroxide. Latest studies indicate that it actually causes tissue damage. I do still use it as a mouth rinse and find it very satisfactory. It is also good to take out stains like fruit stains and blood stains especially. A lot of the first aid kits, pack benzalkonium chloride wipes, which are clear, antiseptic, and do not burn. They usually have you use that to clean pierced ears, as well, or at least they did when I got mine pierced.
2 people like this
@krystalheart (842)
• Philippines
23 Jan 10
I also read studies about it. I think the best choice for wound cleaning is an antiseptic which is not that painful when applied and gives a antibacterial action that heals wound immediately.
@grecychunny26 (9483)
• Philippines
23 Jan 10
It is advisable that povidone-iodine because it is a germicidal agent. It cleans fungi and bacteria. It is a disinfectant. it is also used as treatment of wounds and skin infection. It is used in the hospital in cleaning wounds so at home we used it also. We never run out of Betadine at home as we are prone to wounds because we have pets.
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
23 Jan 10
I'm always up for the iodine one. Never really been a big fan of the other one you've mentioned; Isoprophyl. Sometimes it pokes and hurt a bit, but perhaps it's due to my very sensitive skin too. The iodine solution is very good for abrasions and stuff like that.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
22 Jan 10
hi krystalheart neither both heart too much, hydrogen perioxide is also a germicide but it is not painful and bubbles out any germs. I have always used this on any wound and have never had
an infection and its not painful nor harmful to your skin either
plus its very inexpensive to use too. betadine stains are almost impossible to get out of clothes too, peroxide will not stain like that at all.
2 people like this
@ramos7881 (344)
• United States
23 Jan 10
Honestly - neither. I used to use hydrogen peroxide all of the time also. Depending on the wound and the cause of the wound, I usually just wash it with soap and water and then apply triple antibiotic ointment and a bandaid. When I do think it is necessary to use something else, I will use hydrogen peroxide - like if I think it is a really, really dirty wound.
