Ever since we were little, whenever we had a cut or graze, we were told to disinfect it immediately with Betadine, a trade name for povidone-iodine. Povidone iodine is a broad spectrum antiseptic used to clean and disinfect wounds, helping to prevent subsequent infection. In liquid form, it is usually applied topically on the wound, but spray, mouthwash, spray, and powder form are also available. Besides that, iodine itself can be used as a contrast material to enhance visibility when doing x-rays.

Iodine has multiple uses in health-care, but people should be more careful in using it, as some suffer from iodine intolerance. Iodine intolerance is an allergic reaction to iodine. This manifests as itchiness, rashes, and even anaphylactic shock on severe cases. Anaphylactic shock may lead to death, as it can cause rapid inflammation on tongue and throat area, blocking the airway.

Apart from health care, iodine can also be found in the food people consume every day. Fish, milk, seaweed, cranberry, strawberry, peas, and potatoes contain iodine as well. People with iodine intolerance should stay away from those food and consult a doctor for the complete list of food, medicine, and any kind of treatment that should be avoided.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from: Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Anaphylaxis - The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) (2015),
  http://www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ana/IND_ASCIA_PCC_Anaphylaxis_2015.pdf, 4 April 2018.

• What is an idodine intolerance? (2018), https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321393.php, 4 April 2018.