Both antiseptic and disinfectant prevent the growth of 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 to cleanse and prevent infections in 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 has 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 prevent infections, making the healing process faster¹⁴. 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 infections^14. BETADINE^® antiseptic is relatively free of irritation or stinging, making it easier to use on your kids^{14, 11}. Individual response varies.

The active ingredient in BETADINE^® antiseptic products, povidone-iodine, is naturally a golden brown color. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair, although you can see where it’s been applied on the skin.³

If you accidentally get BETADINE^® on natural fibers it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, 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 infect the wound.

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 available.³²

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.