Betadine has been widely used in both hospitals and homes for over 40 years to fight skin infections. The most common application is a 10 percent solution of povidone-iodine which, in addition to killing most bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, is perhaps most recognized for the orange stain it leaves on everything it touches--including skin. While scrubbing with soap and water will do nothing to eliminate the stain, rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are both effective solutions. Rubbing alcohol, a mixture of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, is traditionally used to relieve muscle and joint pain. Hydrogen peroxide is naturally produced by living organisms and has strong bleaching and disinfectant properties. Both solutions may be found at pharmacies and large grocery stores.
Step 1
Wash hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. Put on disposable gloves. If a wound is present and permission has been given by physician, remove any bandages near the site of the betadine.
Step 2
Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to a sterile cotton ball or cotton gauze pad. Apply to betadine stain in small circular motions, beginning at site nearest wound and working outward away from wound. Do not allow the used cotton ball or gauze pad to retouch rim of the bottle after applying to the skin. Use a clean cotton ball or gauze pad for each application, disposing immediately after use in a garbage basket.
Step 3
Continue applying rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to cotton balls and wiping betadine stain, working around wound, until stain has disappeared. Do not allow the solution to touch wound, since it will sting.
Step 4
Allow skin to air dry. Remove gloves, grasping cuff and pulling over fingers; dispose in garbage basket. Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial hand soap and put on clean gloves. Apply fresh bandages to wound as needed. Remove gloves, wash hands, and apply moisturizer to hands as multiple handwashings and gloves can be drying to skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Notify your health-care provider if there are any signs of irritation or allergic reaction that last more than 72 hours where the betadine has touched the skin. These may be signs of a serious condition.
- Never use betadine if you are allergic to iodine. Notify your health-care provider of any allergies.
Things You'll Need
- Sterile cotton balls or cotton gauze pads
- Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- Disposable gloves
- Garbage basket
- Moisturizer
References
- Betadine: Uncompromising Microbe Fighters
- "Clinical Companion to Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Sharon Lewis, Shannon Ruff Dirksen, and Margaret Heitkemper; 2007
- Betadine: Betadine SwabAid
- "Physicians' Desk Reference"; PDR Staff; 2010
