What Are the Allergenic Effects of Povidone-Iodine Use On the Skin?

Povidone iodine is an over-the-counter disinfecting solution that is commonly used in clinical facilities. It is especially useful for wound cleaning to facilitate healing. According to drugs.com, topical povidone iodine is administered as aerosol spray, topical cream, pre-soaked cotton pads, shampoo mixture and liquid solution. With such widespread application, topical povidone iodine appears harmless. For some people, however, allergic reactions develop that warrant treatment and deterrence from future use.

Common Reactions

• Regardless of the source of topical application, drugs.com reports that the most common allergic reaction to povidone iodine is skin irritation. Irritation may be accompanied by hives, itching and/or a rash. More severe reactions demonstrate the disinfectant's ability to penetrate the skin as well. Additional visible allergic reactions include swelling of the face and mouth. Reactions can also be felt inside the body as possible tongue swelling, tightness in the chest and a reduced ability to breathe.

Allergic Dermatitis

• Allergic dermatitis is an uncommon reaction to repeated, prolonged use of povidone iodine as a topical antiseptic. This reaction was reported in two of 86 children receiving chronic peritoneal dialysis over a nine year period at Turkey's SSK Tepecik Teaching Hospital. Allergic dermatitis in areas that came in contact with povidone iodine presented as both patches of eczema-like rash and straight lines of reddened skin called erythemas. Similar to common allergic reactions, allergic dermatitis is not infectious. The reaction is, however, very uncomfortable. The onset of a reaction is characterized by burning and stinging. Affected skin develops into blisters and skin plaques. Blisters and plaques can spread to other skin areas and mucus membranes on contact. Severe allergic dermatitis has resulted in the death of affected skin tissue.

Treatments

• Just as povidone iodine is available for purchase without a prescription, treatment for mild allergies to povidone iodine is also available over-the-counter. Iodine-resource.com explains that an oral antihistamine usually calms mild skin irritation. More severe reactions may be treated with a shot of adrenaline in the form of epinephrine. Allergic dermatitis, however, requires more aggressive treatment. The skin plaques are removed or desquamated by applying a treatment that causes the outer layers to peel off. Oral steroids and antihistamines are also given to patients to reduce inflammation and pustules. Affected areas are then irrigated with normal saline solution with noticeable symptom resolution after one week.

Prevention

• The prevention of iodine allergies begins with patients and their custodians if they are minors. Patients who are aware of their allergies have the first responsibility of alerting medical staff to their allergy before accepting treatment at a medical facility. In the event that a patient is unconscious, he may opt to wear an allergy alert bracelet that is visible to clinical staff. People who are not aware of their allergy status may submit to a skin scratch test to find out.