What is povidone-iodine, and how effective is it for wound care and disinfection? - #14711
I recently bought povidone-iodine for my first aid kit, but I don’t fully understand how it works or when it should be used. I know it’s an antiseptic, but I’m not sure if it’s better than other disinfectants. What exactly is povidone-iodine, and how does it kill bacteria and prevent infections? Is it safe for all types of wounds, or are there situations where it shouldn’t be used? Also, does povidone-iodine work against fungi and viruses, or is it mainly for bacterial infections? I also want to know if there are any side effects or risks with long-term use. Can applying povidone-iodine too frequently slow down wound healing? Are there Ayurvedic alternatives or natural antiseptics that work as well as povidone-iodine? If anyone has used povidone-iodine regularly, what was your experience? Did it help with wound healing, or did you notice any skin irritation or side effects?
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