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What causes povidone-iodine to turn white?

Feb 06, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, povidone-iodine may turn white when exposed to oxygen, alcohol, vitamin C, moisture, high temperatures, or wound exudate. When using povidone-iodine, care should be taken to check its condition and ensure its effectiveness. If povidone-iodine turns white and the cause cannot be determined, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for advice.

Under normal circumstances, povidone-iodine may turn white when exposed to oxygen, alcohol, vitamin C, moisture, high temperature, or wound secretions. The specific explanations are as follows:

1. Oxygen: Povidone-iodine is oxidative and may undergo an oxidation reaction upon contact with oxygen in the air, causing a change in its color. This oxidation reaction is a normal phenomenon and generally does not significantly affect the disinfecting effectiveness of povidone-iodine.

2. Alcohol: Alcohol is a reducing agent. When it comes into contact with povidone-iodine, an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs. This reaction reduces the iodine in povidone-iodine to iodide ions, causing the solution to lose its color and turn white. This reaction is harmless to the human body; however, the povidone-iodine will lose its disinfecting and bactericidal properties after the reaction.

3. Vitamin C: Vitamin C also has reducing properties. When it contacts povidone-iodine, an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs, causing the povidone-iodine to turn white. Similar to alcohol, the povidone-iodine after this reaction also loses its disinfecting capability.

4. Moisture or high temperature: If povidone-iodine is exposed to high temperatures or humid environments for a prolonged period, its internal components may change, causing its color to turn white. In such cases, the disinfecting and bactericidal effectiveness of povidone-iodine may be significantly reduced. It should not be used further, as it may cause skin allergic reactions.

5. Wound secretions: When applying povidone-iodine to a wound, if there are secretions such as pus or blood due to inflammation or infection at the wound site, the components in these secretions may react with povidone-iodine, causing a change in color to white.

When using povidone-iodine, it is important to check its condition and ensure its effectiveness. If the povidone-iodine turns white and the cause is unclear, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult a professional physician or pharmacist for advice.

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