A solution of iodine or just iodine is a drug familiar to everyone, which is often used in medical institutions and at home. Iodine is often perceived as a universal means for disinfecting and treating damage to the skin. But we must not forget about the rules and precautions in using this tool.
Iodine solution - description and form of release
There is a home first-aid kit in almost any family, and its composition can be predictable in many respects. Alcoholic solution of iodine is an indispensable drug that comes to the rescue in a variety of situations. The drug is available in glass bottles of dark glass or in the form of pencil bottles, as well as in the form of special droppers.
Most often, 5% iodine solution is used, but forms of release of a different concentration are provided (1%, 2%, 3%). The drug has a strong antimicrobial and bactericidal effect, it is used both at home and in professional medicine to treat external injuries. Ingestion of funds is considered unacceptable, although it is not difficult to find supporters of this method.
Treatment of wounds with iodine is a simple matter, but do not abuse the drug so as not to cause severe dry skin. It is contraindicated to take the solution inside without the advice of a doctor, iodine is a poison, the thoughtless use of the solution for oral administration can lead to the development of dangerous pathologies up to death. To replenish iodine reserves in the body, there are many vitamins and special supplements in which all components are balanced and not dangerous to human health.
How much iodine solution is stored
The shelf life of iodine must be checked when buying it in a pharmacy, as well as monitor it before use. The iodine solution will lose its useful properties, if you do not keep track of the dates on the factory packaging, then its use will be meaningless.
Many people wonder how to store iodine. It is simple and affordable, perhaps, both in industrial and at home. The storage location of iodine must meet the following conditions:
- The place must be protected from direct sunlight.
- The iodine solution must be stored in the vials in which it was released (dark glass).
- The temperature at the storage location should not exceed 15 degrees Celsius.
The shelf life of iodine in solution is about 3 years, which can be attributed to the category of long-term storage. Subject to all these rules, the drug will successfully retain its beneficial properties throughout the entire storage time.
Indications for use
How to store and what is the shelf life of iodine is now absolutely clear. The next step is to determine in which situations its use is appropriate or necessary.
Indications for use:
- Infectious and inflammatory lesions of the skin of a person and mucous membranes.
- External damage to the skin and mucous membranes.
- Prevention and treatment of colds (gargling with iodine), as well as tonsillitis, rhinitis, otitis media.
- Atherosclerosis and tertiary syphilis are indications for oral administration.
Ingestion is carried out exclusively on the recommendation of the attending physician, which takes into account all the features of the patient’s health. Self-medication in such cases can become hazardous to health.
The use of iodine for the treatment of skin lesions should be carefully balanced, it is better to also follow the recommendations of a specialist. A solution of salt, soda and iodine for gargling is widely used at home as a means to combat colds. The amount of iodine in such mixtures should be minimal, we must not forget about its aggressive nature.
Rules of use and dosage
The shelf life of iodine is not the only indicator that must be taken into account when using it. It is important to follow the recommendations and dosage, which are indicated in the instructions for the drug.
- To treat the skin, it is necessary to moisten a cotton swab in the solution with which the surface is carefully treated. When asked if acne can be burned with iodine, the answer is yes. It has been proven that this will remove excess greasy skin, but it has not been proven that this will prevent further acne.
- It is recommended to apply "iodine mesh" with bruises and bruises, in places of sprains.
- Iodine net is also effective in the treatment of influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, tonsillitis and various laryngitis.
- When taking the drug inside, it is recommended to mix it with milk (the dosage is determined by the attending physician).
It is important to pay special attention to the most popular homemade recipes using iodine. Gargling with iodine has been used for a very long time, but this method cannot be considered the only necessary way to combat sore throat. Rinsing should serve as an additional measure that effectively alleviates the patient's condition and is used in combination with other drugs, including antibiotics. To prepare a solution of soda, salt, iodine for gargling, you will need:
- A teaspoon of salt.
- A teaspoon of soda.
- 3 drops of iodine
- 250 ml of boiled water.
The procedure is carried out 3-4 times a day, the temperature of the solution should correspond to body temperature. After rinsing, you must refrain from eating and drinking for half an hour.
Returning to the question of whether acne can be burned with iodine, it is important to note that such a measure is more likely an exception in case of emergency. Processing acne with iodine is constantly impractical.
Side effects
It is important to remember that iodine is not only effective, but also dangerous. Often, abuse of the drug leads to manifestations of iodism (as the side effects of using iodine are called):
- Hives or allergic skin rashes.
- Quincke's edema.
- Increased lacrimation or salivation as an indicator of mucosal damage.
- Malfunctions in the digestive system.
Aggressive behavior of iodine can cause an increase in temperature, especially if a person suffers from increased sensitivity to the drug. Individual allergic reactions to iodine are possible and cannot be neglected.
Precautionary measures
The following items are commonly referred to precautionary measures or contraindications:
- Do not use in relation to children under 5 years old.
- The presence of thyroid disease.
- Do not use to eliminate allergic skin lesions.
- For kidney disease (acute or chronic), the use of iodine should be limited.
Separately, it should be noted that pregnant women, as well as young mothers during breastfeeding should be approached with the use of iodine with caution. On the one hand, it is a necessary element for the full carrying of a child, on the other hand, one cannot allow its excess in the body. It will be optimal to consult a doctor before use.
Interaction with other drugs
If we consider the use of iodine with other drugs, then there are not so many restrictions. It is important not to use it together with essential oils, ammonia solutions, and also with white sedimentary mercury.
All other drug combinations should be recommended by your doctor. With a single use of iodine solution at home, you should not be afraid of serious complications, spot antimicrobial treatment is acceptable.