Iodine Skin Preparation

Iodine is one item that no first-aid kit or bathroom cabinet should be without. This element, a halogen, has several naturally occurring isotopes. A stable isotope of iodine, which reliably and efficiently kills bacteria, fungi and other harmful microorganisms, is combined with rubbing alcohol to create a solution commonly called iodine skin prep. If you are considering performing your own body piercing, growth removal or other outpatient surgical procedure, it is imperative that you prepare and sterilize the area properly beforehand. Never perform these procedures without medical experience, and never attempt major surgeries on yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Electric clippers
• Iodine
• Sterile gauze

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove any jewelry from the area to be cleansed. This includes body jewelry as well as earrings. Metals in the jewelry may react to iodine in an undesirable manner.

• 2

  Examine the area for long or thick hair; a thin covering should pose no problems. Trim hair that is very long with cosmetic scissors or shave thick hair with clippers. The skin to be cleansed should be accessible.

• 3

  Open and ready the iodine skin preparation. If you are using liquid bottled iodine and not iodine skin prep, which comes with a built-in applicator, be sure to have plenty of sterile gauze on hand. Apply the iodine generously, creating a prepped area that is several inches longer and several inches wider than the wound or planned incision.