At the beginning of the XIX century, the French scientist Bernard Courtois first discovered iodine. This happened by accident: he overturned two containers with different solutions, the contents of which instantly mixed. In one of the vessels there was sulfuric acid with iron elements, and in the other there was an algae ash. More than a hundred years have passed since that day, but so far without a iodine one cannot imagine a single first-aid kit.
You can use the drug in the treatment of various diseases, for example, make an iodine net on the throat and other parts of the body, lubricate the affected areas around wounds and bruises. The article will describe the rules for applying iodine, effectiveness and indications for its use.
The healing properties of iodine
As an element of thyroid hormones, iodine plays an important role in the overall health of the body. Hormones containing iodine regulate heat and energy metabolism, enhance the oxidation of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. They are known for activating the decay of cholesterol and are important for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Being an immune stimulant, iodine prevents the formation of blood clots in blood vessels and interferes with the blood coagulation process.
In addition to the antiseptic, the iodine network is able to produce a local irritant effect, activate blood circulation and relieve inflammation. After applying iodine to the skin, a response follows from the side of the receptors and blood vessels - blood begins to circulate actively in the mesh application area. Due to this, metabolic products are excreted much faster, pain and swelling during inflammation are reduced.
Please note that iodine does not have a systemic effect, which is why iodine mesh is considered in almost all cases a safe treatment method.
When iodine grid helps
Iodine is used in the following cases:
- Damage to the skin.
- Inflammation of the mucous membrane.
- Mastopathy
- Atherosclerosis.
- Syphilis.
- Inflammation of the organs and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
- Lead and mercury poisoning.
- Treatment of thyroid disease.
Treatment with an iodine network of throat diseases is not a panacea, but is considered an effective method. Please note that the iodine contained in seaweed is assimilated several times better than the medicines containing it.
The drug does not withstand long-term storage, and iodine itself partially breaks down during cooking. Thus, when frying fish and meat, about 50% is lost, when cooking potatoes in chopped form - 48%, whole tubers - 32%, and when boiling milk - about 25% iodine.
Rules for applying a grid of iodine
It is convenient to apply a grid to the body with cotton cosmetic sticks. For this procedure, it is advisable to use a 5 percent solution of iodine. If necessary, it can be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1. Cotton cosmetic sticks are wetted in iodine solution, after which horizontal and vertical lines are applied, the gap between which should be at least 1 cm.
It is important to remember that before applying the iodine mesh to the throat, you need to test the drug. This is necessary in order to exclude the development of allergic reactions to iodine. It is strictly forbidden to apply the drawing to the region of the heart, as well as to the skin if there are rashes and irritation on it.
Contraindications
It should be noted that the effectiveness of the procedure depends on the correctness of its implementation. Despite the fact that the iodine grid is almost always a safe treatment, let's find out when and how to draw it, so as not to harm your loved ones and yourself.
That iodine net on the throat of a child and an adult do not use:
- At elevated body temperature.
- More than three times a day.
- Continuously on the same area of the skin (to avoid burns).
- For the treatment of children under the age of one year.
- Directly for the treatment of wounds.
- With some diseases of the thyroid gland (in particular with thyrotoxicosis).
Is it possible to make an iodine grid for children?
Children's skin is much softer and more sensitive compared to the skin of an adult. Thus, for infants up to six years of age, especially newborns, iodine nets for sore throat are not recommended, since they can:
- cause a burn, because the mucous membrane of the throat is an extremely sensitive area;
- have a negative effect on the functioning of only the developing thyroid gland.
Children over six years of age are allowed to do the procedure only after consulting a doctor, while using a solution of iodine diluted with water is better.
The principle of forming an iodine grid on the throat for children can be used the same as for adults. In any case, you should consult with your doctor in advance.
Iodine during pregnancy
Experts have not yet reached a final conclusion: is it possible to make an iodine net on the throat of pregnant women. Some believe that iodine works only in the field of application, is not absorbed into the bloodstream and does not harm the fetus. Other experts note that the effect of iodine on the body of a pregnant woman is not fully understood today and, probably, the drug can cause thyroid pathology in a child at birth.
Therefore, the iodine network on the throat during pregnancy must be done strictly on the recommendation of the attending physician. In many cases, it’s even important to refrain from the procedure. You should not use iodine during lactation, as there is a chance of a drug entering the breast milk, which is undesirable for a newborn.
The use of a grid of iodine for tonsillitis, colds and tonsillitis
An iodine net in the throat with angina effectively helps to kill all pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms. The danger of its use is that with hidden angina pectoris in the initial stages of a cold, the appearance of high temperature is provoked, during which the procedure for drawing an iodine grid is not allowed.
Iodine has a warming effect, and with the formation of purulent deposits on the tonsils, a sharp rupture of the follicles is possible due to this, which leads to infection of all organs. Prevention and treatment of tonsillitis with iodine, even the simplest medical procedures, should be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician.
An iodine mesh is applied to the throat 1-2 times a week to relieve pain and disinfection of the oral cavity. Tonsillitis is characterized by the following symptoms:
- increased sweating and dryness in the larynx;
- severe headaches;
- bad breath;
- persistent nasal congestion;
- pain when swallowing;
- redness and swelling of the tonsils;
- the appearance of purulent deposits and plugs on the tonsils;
- fast fatiguability;
- constant drowsiness.
During inflammation of the throat, not only the respiratory system, but also other vital organs can suffer. Inflamed tonsils with the use of an iodine grid can temporarily decrease, but if there is no drug treatment, the symptoms quickly resume, after which a chronic form of a cold disease develops.
Cough treatment
The cough iodine network relieves the inflammatory process at an early stage. After penetration into the skin, the substance improves blood circulation, thereby reducing inflammation. In the presence of angina pectoris, an iodine network is drawn in the throat, and in pneumonia, on the chest. If the disease is accompanied by a runny nose, then iodine should be additionally applied to the wings of the nose, but already in the form of dots.
This procedure is suitable only for adults, because the skin of the child is too sensitive and delicate.
Side effects
If dosage and safety precautions are not followed, inflammatory reactions may develop:
- A skin burn, which manifests itself in the form of redness, burning at the place of application of the drug. With a severe burn on the skin, blisters or even tissue necrosis can occur. In this case, consult a doctor immediately.
- Iodine poisoning. Treatment with iodine with excessive enthusiasm can lead to intoxication, that is, an oversaturation of the body with iodine.
The main symptoms of poisoning: general weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, problems in the thyroid gland.
Iodine poisoning is treated symptomatically. The patient is prescribed detoxification therapy, heavy drinking, antiemetics, etc. Of course, the use of iodine for this period is completely excluded.
Minor burns are treated and treated in accordance with the general rules, using therapeutic ointments (Bepanten and Panthenol).
Test check
To determine the amount of iodine in the body, you need to do a simple test - to form a small grid, for example, on the inside of the thigh. A normal situation is that iodine is completely absorbed, leaving no residue during the day. If after this time the iodine network remains on the skin surface, then an excess of this substance in the body can be noted. When iodine is completely absorbed after a few hours, then it is necessary to include products with a high iodine content in the daily diet.
Additional recommendations
It is best to do an iodine net on the throat before bedtime. The pattern should be shaped so that the result is small squares. The drug is applied exclusively to clean and dry skin. If iodine gets on the mucous membrane of the eyes, rinse them immediately with warm water and then consult an ophthalmologist. Please note that even in the absence of contraindications, it is not worthwhile to get involved in iodine nets.