Can povidone-iodine reduce swelling?

Generally speaking, povidone-iodine cannot reduce swelling. If povidone-iodine needs to be used, it should be applied according to medical advice. Detailed explanation is as follows:

As a broad-spectrum disinfectant, povidone-iodine is mainly used to kill microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, thereby achieving antibacterial effects. However, the process of reducing swelling typically involves several physiological processes, including the reabsorption of tissue fluid and the inhibition of inflammatory factors, functions which povidone-iodine does not possess. Therefore, povidone-iodine cannot directly promote the reabsorption of tissue fluid or inhibit the release of inflammatory factors, thus it cannot effectively alleviate local edema.

In addition, the primary mechanism of action of povidone-iodine is to prevent or control infection through its strong bactericidal capability, rather than directly treating swelling itself. In cases of swelling caused by bacterial infection, povidone-iodine can help kill the bacteria, thereby indirectly reducing inflammation and swelling caused by the infection. However, for swelling not caused by bacterial infection—for example, soft tissue injury due to trauma, hypoalbuminemic edema, hematoma, or obstructed lymphatic return—povidone-iodine cannot exert any effect in reducing swelling.

During the early stages of swelling, cold compresses may be applied to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Cold compresses can constrict blood vessels and reduce exudation of tissue fluid, thus aiding in the reduction of swelling.