Both antiseptic and disinfectant prevent the growth of disease-causing micro- organisms⁴⁵. The main difference between the two is that disinfectants are usually used on inanimate object (e.g. tables, floors, chairs) and antiseptics are more suitable for human skin⁴⁵.

Antiseptics are used as a treatment to cleanse cuts, scratches, burns, grazes or other minor injuries where the skin is broken, or as a preventive measure before piercing the skin (e.g. an injection). For this very reason, BETADINE^® wound care products have a wide range of antiseptic formats for your different needs.

You should not use a poor quality antiseptic product. A poor quality antiseptic product that does not kill germs will not prevent infection and may even prolong the wound healing process.¹²

The main reason for using antiseptics on wounds is to kill germs and prevent infection, making the healing process faster.¹⁴ Infections can cause delays and prevent healing, or even worsen the wound condition.

BETADINE^® wound care products use a povidone-iodine solution to quickly kill the germs that cause wound infections¹⁴. BETADINE^® antiseptic is relatively free of irritation or stinging, making it easier to use on your kids, in comparison with other alcohol antiseptics for wounds.^{14, 11} Individual response varies.

The active ingredient in BETADINE^® antiseptic products, povidone-iodine, is naturally a golden brown colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair, although you can see where it’s been applied on the skin³.

If you accidentally get BETADINE^® on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, BETADINE^® antiseptic products can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.

CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.

BETADINE^® antiseptics provide germ-killing action.

BETADINE^® Wound Care is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic. BETADINE^® Wound Care range contains povidone-iodine that acts on germs that may cause wound infection¹⁴. These germs get killed before it has an opportunity to spread. When you use it, you will know it always helps.

Water only removes physical debris lodged in flesh, unlike an antiseptic like BETADINE^® Wound Care product that is used to kill surface germs and prevent infection¹³.

Additionally, the use of tap water to cleanse the wound would not be recommended in a country where a constant supply of potable drinking water is not available³².

Pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged to avoid using BETADINE^® Wound Care products due to the potential risks to the fetus. There is a possible chance that the fetus may be at risk of reversible hypothyroidism. Although hypothyroidism is reversible, it may lead to future metabolic conditions.