The Effect of Povidone-Iodine

Mar 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I scraped my skin today, and online sources say I should apply iodophor. May I ask what is the function of iodophor?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Lei

Iodophor is a commonly used topical disinfectant, whose main components are iodine and surfactants. Its primary functions are disinfection and bactericidal action.

In the medical field, iodophor is frequently used for disinfection of skin and mucous membranes. Its unique bactericidal mechanism works by disrupting the permeability barrier of microbial cell walls, thereby inactivating internal enzymes or proteins, achieving the rapid elimination of pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.

In addition, due to its low irritancy, low toxicity, and non-corrosive properties, iodophor is also widely used for skin disinfection before surgical operations and for soaking surgical instruments. In daily life, iodophor can be used for initial disinfection treatment of minor skin abrasions or mild burns.

During wound treatment with iodophor, it is important to maintain skin cleanliness and hygiene to avoid causing infections.