Such a familiar medicine for our first-aid kit, as an iodine solution, is considered an effective antiseptic. Is it really safe to use over the counter at home? As medical practice shows, if used improperly, a burn from iodine is possible. What to do in this situation? We will tell in our article.
Burn causes
Many may wonder: is it really possible to get a burn from iodine? If used incorrectly, such a possibility exists. This drug is intended primarily for the disinfection and drying of open wounds. When an iodine solution interacts with the skin, a chemical reaction occurs, as a result of which energy is released and substances such as water, ammonia and carbon dioxide are formed. If it is used in accordance with the recommendations specified in the instructions, it is an effective antiseptic. In case of violation of the rules and dosage of the use of the drug, iodine solution aggressively affects the skin, causing redness, burning and in severe cases, burns of the integument or mucous membrane.
You can get such an injury with frequent and abundant application of the solution on the same area of the skin. In addition, you should clearly adhere to the recommendations for the use of the drug - you should not neglect the fact that you have an external medicine. In medicine, there are known cases when iodine solution was used by the method of ingestion for the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, and thyroid diseases. Such folk healing methods can lead not only to severe poisoning, but also a burn of the mucous membranes of the throat, esophagus, and stomach.
Symptoms
How is iodine burn diagnosed? Typically, the symptoms of this condition are the appearance of brown spots at the site of skin damage. In severe cases, blisters may form. A person is tormented by severe pain. If the solution gets into the eyes, burning, redness of the protein, and tearing are noted. A burn of the throat and oral cavity is manifested by severe redness and swelling of the mucous membranes.
First aid
In most cases, a burn after iodine is treated at home on their own - with minor damage to the external integument, the help of a doctor is not required. If a person felt a burning sensation, noticed a change in skin color in the area previously treated with iodine, immediately rinse the damaged area with running cool (but not ice) water. In most cases, this is enough to eliminate the pain symptoms.
With a slight degree of damage to the integument, the patient can detect a change in skin color in a separate area a few days after using the solution. Got a burn with iodine - what should I do? Such an injury goes away on its own and does not require any treatment. In this case, it is recommended to lubricate the affected area with special creams that promote skin regeneration. Such funds will help prevent scarring of the integument and accelerate the healing process.
Chemical neutralizers
Since a skin burn with iodine is a type of chemical damage to the integument, when providing medical care, the active substance should be neutralized. Effective means in this case are chalk, dry tooth powder (can be replaced with regular paste), as well as soapy or sweet water. It is necessary to apply these substances to the affected area of the body and leave to reduce pain.
First aid for burns of the mouth and throat
There are cases when patients with a throat burn after applying traditional medicine recipes came to medical facilities. So, people practice rinsing the mouth with a concentrated solution of iodine for colds, as well as for the prevention of respiratory infections. In this way, it is easy to get a burn from iodine. How to treat the injury? First of all, you should carefully rinse your throat with boiled cool water for 15-20 minutes. Then you need to repeat the procedure using a solution of a neutralizing substance. The sugar composition is best.
If you get such an injury, you should seek medical help to assess the degree of damage to the mucous membrane of the throat and oral cavity. If the condition is not serious, the doctor will prescribe a rinse with decoctions of chamomile and sage. Otherwise, you may need to take antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Eye burn with iodine solution
In medicine, cases of eye burns with iodine have been reported. Typically, such an injury occurs through negligence. What to do in such a situation? First of all, thoroughly rinse your eyes with running cool water. Do not use any neutralizing substances on your own. You should immediately consult a doctor to draw up a further treatment plan.
Preparations
The following groups of drugs are used to treat iodine burns:
- antiseptics;
- antibiotics
- anti-inflammatory;
- wound healing;
- painkillers.
Only a doctor can objectively assess the patient's condition and prescribe the necessary medications. As a first aid, you can use a drug such as Panthenol Spray. Sintomycin ointment, Bepanten, and Rescuer also help. Of the antiseptics, Furacilin or Chlorhexidine are suitable. Such drugs are used as follows: they impregnate medical gauze with solutions and apply a bandage to the damaged area of the skin. With a burn of the eyes, ophthalmic drops, analgesics may be needed.
Folk burn treatment
Got a minor burn from iodine? Sea buckthorn oil, oatmeal, green tea, aloe juice or whipped egg white will help restore skin quickly. You just need to lubricate the affected area of the skin three times a day with the chosen product.
What can not be done with a burn of iodine?
With a burn of iodine, you can not:
- Lubricate the affected area with sunflower oil or oily cosmetic creams.
- Apply ice.
- Open the resulting blisters.
- In case of damage to the oral cavity or throat, acute and acidic foods should not be consumed for a certain period (depending on the severity of the injury).
A burn with iodine is fraught with various consequences for human health. In particular, such eye injury can lead to blindness. Damage to the throat is fraught with the formation of erosion of the mucous membrane, and in case of violation of the skin there is a high probability of scarring of tissues. Therefore, iodine solution should be used, clearly observing the instructions for use.