made

Iodine

easy

Volume 2 | Issue 2 | May 2011 www.woundsinternational.com

Introduction

Iodine is a highly effective topical antimicrobial

that has been used clinically in the treatment
of wounds for more than 170 years. It has a
broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity with
efficacy against bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi,
protozoa and viruses and can be used to
treat both acute and chronic wounds1. It is also
relatively inexpensive and easy to use, but is
often underused as a topical antiseptic due to
its perceived toxicity.

Authors: Sibbald RG, Leaper DJ, Queen D.

Full author details can be found on page 6.

What is iodine?

Iodine is a natural dark violet, non-metallic element that plays a

key role in human metabolism. It is essential for the production
of thyroid hormones and an iodine deficiency can result in
hypothyroidism. Iodine occurs naturally in the form of iodide
ions in sea water, fish, oysters and certain seaweeds2. It can
also be found in vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil and dairy
products. It has been described as the most potent antiseptic
available3.

What is the history of iodine in

wound healing?

In the 4th century BC, before iodine had been discovered,

Theophrastus, a pupil of Aristotle, recorded that iodine-rich
seaweeds could be used to reduce the pain of sunburn4. One of
the first antiseptic iodine preparations to be used in wound care
was Lugols solution containing elemental iodine and potassium
in water, which was developed in 18295. This solution was also
used to treat wounds in the American Civil War.
The antimicrobial properties of iodine were first demonstrated
in 1882 by Davaine6. In the First World War, iodine was found by
Alexander Fleming to reduce the incidence of gas gangrene in
the wounds of soldiers when compared to carbolic acid7. Since
the mid-19th century, iodine-based preparations have also had
an important role in the prevention of surgical site infections.
Povidone iodine preparations are popularly used as an antiseptic
to prepare the patients skin before surgery and are also used by

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surgeons and theatre staff as a skin cleanser and antiseptic in

preoperative hand scrubs.
Early uses of iodine involved aqueous and alcoholic iodine
preparations, which were associated with unpleasant side effects
including pain, irritation and skin staining.

Why is iodine safer today?

Iodophors were developed in the 1950s to overcome the side

effects associated with elemental iodine. These were found to be
safer and less painful, but just as effective as elemental iodine,
allowing widespread use.
Bonding iodine with another molecule makes it less toxic and
instead of high concentrations of iodine being released in a
single application, the iodine is slowly released from the reservoir
carrier molecule over a sustained period of time.
Iodophors are preparations that bind iodine to a solubilising
agent or carrier. The water-soluble complex allows the slow
release of a low concentration of free iodine when the carrier
comes into contact with wound exudate. This controlled release
of low concentrations of iodine helps to minimise the negative
side effects of using free elemental iodine.

Modern iodine preparations

The two most commonly used iodophors in modern wound

dressings (Table 1) are:
n Povidone iodine (PVP-I): a chemical complex of
polyvinylpyrrolidone (also known as povidone and PVP)
and elemental iodine. Examples include dressings such
as Inadine (Systagenix) and solutions such as Betadine
(Purdue Products) and Braunol (B Braun)
n Cadexomer iodine: an iodine and polysaccharide complex,
such as Iodoflex (Smith and Nephew) and Iodosorb
(Smith and Nephew), which can be used as antiseptic
fillers, particularly in cavity wounds.
Povidone iodine preparations were introduced in the 1960s and it
is now the most common iodophor in clinical use. It is available in
different formulations, including solution, cream, ointment, spray
and wound dressings.

What is the evidence to support

iodine use?

There is extensive evidence to support the use of povidone

iodine in wound healing8 (Table 2), but its use is not without
controversy due to perceived issues with toxicity, systemic

made
Iodine

easy

Table 1 Wound dressings containing iodine (adapted from Boothman, 20108)

Product

Distributor

Iodine form

Available iodine content

Description

Braunovidon ointment/
ointment gauze

B Braun

PV-1

10% per 100g ointment

Colloidal ointment base

Inadine

Systagenix

PV-1

1.0% w/w

Knitted viscose mesh

Iodosorb

Smith & Nephew

Cadexomer iodine

0.9% w/w

Matrix dressing

Iodosorb ointment

Smith & Nephew

Cadexomer iodine

0.9% w/w

Macrogol ointment base

Iodosorb powder

Smith & Nephew

Cadexomer iodine

0.9% w/w

Cadexomer iodine beads

Iodoflex

Smith & Nephew

Cadexomer iodine

0.9% w/w

Macrogol ointment base with

gauze backing

Iodozyme

ArchiMed

Iodine

<0.04% w/w

Hydrogel dressing

Repithel

Mundi-Phama

PVP-1

0.3% w/w

Liposome hydrogel

Note: % w/w describes the percentage solution

absorption and delayed healing. It has been suggested that

iodine has a negative impact on cells involved in the wound
healing process and because of this its safety and efficacy have
been questioned.
Some reviews have analysed the conflicting evidence and have
found that studies based on animal models tend to support the
argument for iodines cytotoxicity, whereas human studies suggest
that PVP-I can help the wound healing process by reducing
bacterial load and decreasing infection rates9,10. One study
demonstrated that not only does PVP-1 significantly improve the
healing rates of chronic venous leg ulcers, but also that it lacks
cytotoxicity in vivo11.
The efficacy of cadexomer iodine has been demonstrated using
both animal models and clinical studies. Cadexomer iodine was
found to significantly reduce symptoms associated with infection
(eg exudate, erythema, oedema and pain) in patients with pressure
ulcers12 and venous leg ulcers13.
In addition to providing an antimicrobial effect, in vitro studies
have reported a lack of toxicity for human fibroblast activity14 and
that cadexomer iodine may increase epithelialisation of chronic
wounds15,16. However, its mode of action is not understood and
further research is needed to determine whether wound aetiology
has a contributory role8.

How does iodine work as an

antimicrobial?

Iodines exact antimicrobial mode of action is not fully

understood, but it is believed to be associated with its ability to
rapidly penetrate the cell wall of micro-organisms17.

Schreier et al3 also investigated the effects of PVP-1 on microbial

cells and found that it affects the structure and functions of
enzymes and cell proteins and damages bacterial cell function
by blocking hydrogen bonding and altering the membrane
structure1. These multiple modes of action ensure the rapid
death of microbes and help to prevent the development of
bacterial resistance. Because the microbicidal action of iodine
is related to several directly toxic effects on the cell wall,
rather than through specific molecular pathways (as used by
antibiotics), resistance is highly unlikely and reports of iodineresistant strains are exceptionally rare (Figure 1)8.

Is iodine effective against MRSA?

There is substantial in vitro evidence demonstrating that PVP-I

is a highly effective and broad spectrum antimicrobial. Activity
has been demonstrated against both common bacterial
wound isolates18,19 and antibiotic-resistant species20. Lacey and
Catto21 determined that more than 99% of meticillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cells were killed within 10 seconds
of exposure to PVP-I. Mertz et al22 found that cadexomer iodine
significantly reduced MRSA and total bacteria in partial thickness
porcine wounds compared with a no-treatment control and a
vehicle group.

Is iodine effective against biofilms?

At the most basic level, a biofilm can be described as being

bacteria embedded in a slimy, protective mucopolysaccharide
glycocalyx23.The effectiveness of iodine in the management of
biofilm is currently unclear, although it is known that low dose,
slow release iodine is effective in killing free-floating planktonic
micro-organisms24 and is therefore likely to be a good choice of

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Table 2 Clinical studies featuring iodine (from 1980 to present)

Study reference

Therapy

Design

Selection
criteria

Clinical outcomes

Homann HH, et al.

Ann Plast Surg 2007;
59(4): 4237

Liposome PVP-I hydrogel vs

silver sulfadiazine

Randomised controlled
trial (n=43)

Partialthickness
burns

Healing was found to be significantly faster in the

hydrogel group (p<0.015) and an improved cosmetic
result was also noted. Without the inclusion of a
non-antimicrobial control, it is difficult to determine
whether the PVP-I hydrogel does increase the rate of
healing or alternatively if silver sulfadiazine may have
a delaying effect.

Eming SA, et al. J

Invest Dermatol 2006;
126(12): 27313

Different concentrations of
PVP-I on fluid collected from
chronic venous leg ulcers
incubated with a range of
povidone iodine concentrations

In vitro research on
wound fluid from seven
patients

Chronic
venous leg
ulcers

At the higher PVP-I concentrations, elastase and plasmin

activity was reduced significantly in the four wound
fluids examined. It is proposed that this beneficial effect
may contribute towards improved healing rates in
chronic wounds

Kumar BP, et al. Int J

Oral Maxillofac Surg
2006; 35(8): 7656

Irrigation with PVP-I vs saline

Randomised controlled
trial (n=50)

Oral surgery
wounds

Cessation of bleeding was achieved in 19 patients

treated with PVP-I (76%) and 5 in the saline group (20%)
(p<0.01)

Fumal I, et al.
Dermatology 2002;
204 (Suppl) 1: 7074

Povidone-iodine vs silver
sulfadiazine or chlorhexidine
digluconate for six weeks

Comparative study
(n=17 patients with at
least two similar leg
ulcers)

Chronic leg
ulcers

Compared with the control lesions, both the healing rate

and time to healing of the leg ulcers showed a modest
improvement at the sites receiving silver sulfadiazine
(27%) or chlorhexidine digluconate (-1 to 5%). By
contrast, PVP-I increased significantly the healing rate
(418%, p<0.01), and the time to healing was reduced by
29 weeks (p<0.01)

Vogt PM, et al. Wound

Repair Regen 2001;
9(2): 11622

A novel liposome PVP-I

hydrogel complex vs
chlorhexidine gauze

Monocentric,
randomised, open,
phase II pilot study
(n=36)

Meshed skin
grafts

Treatment with the PVP-I hydrogel resulted in

significantly faster epithelialisation (p=0.005), better
antiseptic efficacy (p=0.002), improved wound healing
quality (p=0.004) and a lower incidence of graft loss
(p=0.001) in comparison with chlorhexidine gauze

Miyachi Y, Imamura SJ.

Dermatol Treat 1997;
1: 19193

Sugar (70%) and povidoneiodine (3%) paste for a

three-year period

Clinical study treating

refractory cutaneous
ulcers (n=168)

Traumatic,
venous and
ischaemic,
post-burn
and diabetic
ulcers

Increased granulation tissue formation and a reduction

in the size, depth and bacterial contamination of wounds
of mixed aetiology

Konig B. et al,
Dermatology 1997;
195 Suppl 2: 428

PVP-I and the effect on

exotoxins and enzymes

In vitro study

Not specified

Endotoxins and exotoxins released by bacteria have

been implicated in delayed wound healing; povidone
iodine was found to inactivate bacterial exotoxins such
as phospholipase C and lipase and inhibit their further
generation. Furthermore, destructive cytokines and
enzymes released by neutrophils in response to bacterial
colonisation were also found to be inactivated.

Pirard-Franchimont
C, et al. Dermatology
1997; 194(4): 3837

PVP-I in combination with

hydrocolloid dressings vs
hydrocolloid dressings alone
for four weeks

Clinical study in 15
female patients (age
range 5773)

Chronic leg
ulcers

PVP-I accelerated the rate of venous leg ulcer healing

when evaluated against hydrocolloid dressings alone.
After four weeks the wounds treated with PVP-I also had
a smaller amount of micro-organisms present than the
hydrocolloid-only group

Lammers RL, et al.

Ann Emerg Med 1990;
19(6): 70914

Use of 1% povidone iodine

solution to soak the wound
before cleansing and
debridement vs normal saline
and no treatment

Randomised controlled
study (n=33 wounds; 29
patients)

Contaminated
traumatic
wounds
(seen within
12 hours of
injury)

Tissue samples were taken before and after soaking

and bacterial counts were conducted. While bacterial
colonisation was reduced with PVP-I solution, there
was no significant difference when compared with the
controls

Gravett A, et al. Ann

Emerg Med 1987;
16(2): 16771

Topical 1% povidone-iodine
vs normal saline

A prospective,
randomised study
(n=500)

Traumatic
lacerations

PVP-I solution (1%) reduced the incidence of wound

infection. Of 201 in the PV-I group, 11 became infected
compared with 30 of 194 control wounds

Knutson RA, et al.

South Med J 1981;
74(11): 132935

Povidone-iodine and
granulated sugar mixture
used to treat patients over a
56-month period

Five-year prospective
study
(n= 605)

Wounds,
burns, ulcers

The authors concluded that this combination rapidly

increased the rate of wound healing, reduced the
requirement for skin grafting and antibiotics and lowered
hospital costs.

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Recent evidence suggests that

sustained release iodine may penetrate
biofilms more effectively than silver
or polyhexamethylene biguanide
(PHMB)25.

Reproduced with permission of Smith & Nephew

antiseptic dressing when the intention is

to suppress biofilm formation or prevent
recontamination23.

Figure 1 The antimicrobial action of iodine

Blocks efflux pumps

Changes DNA

Can patients build up

bacterial resistance to
iodine?
Despite 170 years of prolonged and
extensive use of iodine in medicine and
wound care, iodine-resistant microbial
strains are exceptionally rare.
The validity of the one documented case
of resistance to iodine products26 has
been questioned and the methodology of
the study criticised21.

When is iodine
indicated?

Denaturates proteins
and enzymes

When are iodine

dressings
contraindicated?

An international consensus document

on managing wound infection27,
recommends the use of antiseptic
dressings as being part of an overall
management plan in the following
circumstances:

Iodine dressings must be used under

medical supervision in patients with
thyroid diseases, known or suspected
iodine sensitivity, in pregnant or
breastfeeding women or in newborn
babies and up to the age of six months8.

Long-term use of PVP-I has been loosely

associated with mild hyperthyroidism29
and long-term use is not recommended
for patients with impaired thyroid
function. However, a number of studies
have monitored thyroid function during
PVP-I clinical trials and have reported
that it remains unchanged3032.

to prevent wound infection or

recurrence of infection in
patients at greatly increased risk of
infection
n to treat localised infection
n to treat spreading infection when
healing is delayed
Slow release iodine dressings have
been used to treat a range of wound
types where infection is present or
suspected.
These include pressure ulcers, venous leg
ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, minor burns
and superficial skin-loss injuries24,28.

To avoid toxicity or the hypothetical risk

of thyroid-related complications, iodine
products should be used with caution in
children, in those with large burn areas,
and where prolonged treatment of large
open wounds is required. The use of
iodine dressings should also be avoided

Blocks cell respirator processes and

membrane proteins
before and after the use of radio-iodine
diagnostic tests (until permanent healing).
Reports of systemic effects following
short-term PVP-I treatment are extremely
rare. Iodine absorption has been found to
be dependent on the size of the wound
and the duration of treatment33. Hunt
et al31 also discovered a relationship
between wound area and iodine levels in
serum and urine following the treatment
of burn wounds with PVP-I, but it was
proposed that renal function was a
factor in the determination of this. Iodine
should, therefore be avoided in patients
with significant renal disease.

How to apply iodine

dressings

The method of application depends on

the mode of delivery. Dressings should
be applied directly to the surface of the
wound and covered using a secondary
dressing as appropriate. All dressings
should be applied according to the
manufacturers instructions for use.

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Why does iodine stain the skin

brown?
The skin is sometimes stained brown
after treatment with iodine products.
This is because of the effects of the triiodide ion and, to a lesser extent, free
molecular iodine8.
However, any staining that may occur is
harmless and will quickly fade.

Why does the application of

iodine sometimes sting?
Iodine-based products can be associated
with a transient burning or stinging
sensation immediately after they are
applied to open wounds. However, this
is not harmful34. The stinging probably
relates to the osmotic loads delivered by
higher concentrations of iodine in some
preparations.
The prevalence of allergic reactions to
the topical application of iodine varies
considerably (between 0.7% and 41%),
depending on which study is reviewed.
For example, in a dermatological study
by Juhsz35 involving 50 patients, no
cases of sensitisation to PVP-I after patchtesting were recorded.

How frequently
should dressings be
changed

The slow release of the iodine in these

preparations allows the wound to remain
in continuous contact with the antiseptic,
whereas with a single exposure to a
product such as PVP-I tulle the iodine is
soon broken down36,37. It is important to
remember that even with modern iodine
dressings (eg Inadine, Iodosorb and
Iodoflex), which provide a slow release
of iodine, this is only for a relatively short
time and frequent dressing changes
are required to constantly replenish the
supply of antiseptic to the wound. It is
assumed that once the dressing has lost
its colour the antiseptic effect has been
lost and the dressing should be changed.

In heavily exudating wounds,

dressings may need to be changed
daily. With appropriate moisture
balance iodine dressings can be
applied 13 times per week.

When should treatment

be discontinued?

Medical supervision should be sought

if using iodine for more than one week.

Treatment should be re-evaluated

regularly and discontinued when the
signs of infection resolve and the
wound is healing.
If the wound does not improve after
10-14 days, the patient and the wound
should be re-evaluated and an alternative
antiseptic dressing regimen or systemic
treatment with an antibiotic considered27.

What are the economic

arguments for iodine?
Povidone iodine dressings and
irrigating solutions are relatively
inexpensive compared to other
antimicrobial therapies. Dressings
that lose their colour (eg Inadine) may
be more cost-effective in that they
provide an indicator of how frequently
dressings should be changed8.

Iodine and the future

Iodine-containing dressings may
be developed that combine the
antimicrobial effect of iodine with
autolytic debridement, moisture
balance and active therapies to
optimise wound healing.

Summary
Although it has been speculated that iodine delays healing and is cytotoxic, there is
substantial evidence to suggest that the commonly-used low concentration, slow release
iodophors improve healing rates and are effective as highly potent antimicrobials with
a broad spectrum of activity, including antibiotic-resistant strains such as MRSA. It is
unfortunate that the concerns about iodine are based on studies that are so varied in
method and design that it is difficult to draw reliable comparisons and conclusions. The
reputation of iodine wound products, used as antimicrobials, suffered as a result of these
studies but it is now widely accepted that slow-releasing iodophor antimicrobials are safe
and have minimal detrimental impact on wound healing.

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To cite this publication

Sibbald RG, Leaoer DJ, Queen D. Iodine Made Easy. Wounds International 2011; 2(2): Available from
http://www.woundsinternational.com
Wounds International 2010

Reference

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Author details

Sibbald RG1, Leaper DJ2, Queen D3.

1. Professor of Public Health Sciences
and Medicine, University of Toronto,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2. Visiting Professor, Department of
Dermatology and Wound Healing,
Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
3. Honorary Research Fellow,
Department of Dermatology and
Wound Healing, Cardiff University,
Cardiff, UK

Healthcare practitioners are advised

to consult the package inserts for any
iodine-based products before applying the
dressing to a wound.

This article is supported by an educational

grant from Systagenix. The views expressed
in this Made Easy section do not necessarily
reflect those of Systagenix.

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