WOUND CARE
FEMININE CARE
THROAT & NOSE CARE
FEMININE CARE
9 Q&AsIdentify the cause – suspect infection by looking out for vaginal symptoms such as discharge with abnormal colour or amount.
Check for foreign objects like tampons or condoms after intimate sessions.
Wear cotton undergarments to encourage airflow and allow your vaginal area to breathe.103-106
Don’t:
Use fragrant body washes and soaps as it can disrupt the pH balance of your vagina.103-106
Bacterial infections are the most common cause, accounting for up to 50% of the cases. 102 They happen when there are changes in the types and amounts of bacteria normally found in the vagina.
Fungal infections like candida albicans are probably the next most common cause. Fungal infections are often called vaginal yeast infections.
Other possible causes of vaginal irritation include:
Tight nylon underwear that doesn’t provide good ventilation, resulting in perspiration and lack of air circulation103-106
The use of contraceptives103-106
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of other infections103-106
The use of vaginal deodorants103-106
The lack of personal hygiene103-10
Pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged to avoid using the POVIDONE-IODINE BETADINE® Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche due to the potential risks to the fetus/baby. There is a possible chance that the fetus/baby may be at risk of reversible hypothyroidism. Even though hypothyroidism is reversible, it might still lead to future metabolism conditions.59,107
Women who suffer from hypothyroidism should also avoid using the
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche.59,107
Povidone-iodine, which is the active ingredient in POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche, is naturally golden brown in colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair.59,107
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche products can also be washed off even if they get into contact with your clothes. If you accidentally get some on natural fibers, it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, it can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.59,107
CAUTION: Immediately wipe up spills on plastic floors.
THROAT & NOSE CARE
14 Q&AsThese viruses and bacteria can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touch an object that has the virus on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs or sneezes) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing) 43.
A sore throat can be caused by different types of germs. Therefore, it is good to use a preparation that target different types and classes of germs88.
Viruses are tiny particles that rely on human or animal cells for their survival, so they cannot last very long outside the body27. They cause illnesses by invading healthy cells and multiplying.
Bacteria are single cell organisms usually found in and on our bodies27. Some bacteria are harmless – and can even be good for us – and some cause infections27.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle has scientific research on its germ killing activity against germs that can cause sore throats1-3. With a 30-second gargle, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle kill germs2. Individual response varies*.
For the same reasons, other viral infections like flu should not be treated with antibiotics either6.
If a sore throat persists or is particularly severe, you should see your doctor.
Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor in situations of bacteria related infections*.
* For further information, please check with your doctor or pharmacist.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle kills germs that cause sore throats1,2.Research has also shown that the povidone-iodine (PVPI) in POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle has a 30 seconds killing effect against germs through 30 sec gargling34. Individual response varies.
Since most sore throats are caused by germs5, there are steps that you can take to prevent getting an infection:
- Avoid sharing utensils with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap.
- Practice proper hand and throat hygiene by using an antiseptic hand wash and gargle, such as POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle to kill germs and prevent passing on germs within the family or community2.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands as germs can enter your body this way and make you sick.
- Stay away from people who are ill, as germs can spread.88
No, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle does not stain the teeth. The natural brown colour is due to Povidone-Iodine, the active ingredient of POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle. The product retains the germ killing effect of iodine but unlike iodine, it is generally non-staining3.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) preparations do not stain the skin, fingernails, hair, or natural fibre either.3 If you accidentally get POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
Small amount may be swallowed during gargling. If accidentally swallowed in large amounts, consult your local doctor or pharmacist immediately.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle contains povidone-iodine that kills the germs that cause sore throats1-3, in a 30-second gargle. However, it is impossible to say how quickly you will feel better. Individual response condition varies*.
Some cosmetic mouthwashes are meant for fresh breath while POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle is a medicated formulation for treatment against throat and oral infection10.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use unless advised by healthcare professional.
Germs that cause sore throats can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touching something that has the germs on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).43,88
When a loved one suffers from sore throat, flu or a cold, practicing proper throat and oral hygiene like gargling with POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) helps. This lessens the chances of other family members getting it too by killing the germs before they have a chance to act.
The active ingredient in BETADINE®, 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 POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
WOUND CARE
8 Q&AsAntiseptics 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, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) has a wide range of antiseptic formats for your different needs.
If you accidentally get Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) on natural fibers it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Wound Care is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic. Povidone-Iodine (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. When you use it, you will know it always helps.
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
How POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) 7.5% Skin Cleanser Helps with Acne Breakouts
For a lot of people, acne is a rite of passage. An embarrassing, painful one, but a rite of passage nonetheless.
Acne affects one in five people worldwide1 and can significantly impact your quality of life2. Understanding how it develops and how to treat it is the first step toward clearer skin.
With so many treatment options available - from gentle skin cleansers to facial procedures, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, the best approach is to go back to the basics and understand the root cause.
In this blog, we then look at how people get acne, and what you can do to treat it.
Key takeaways
Acne is a widespread condition that can negatively affect how an individual sees themselves.
Acne is caused by an accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells, and hair that obstructs pores, thus fostering an ideal setting for bacterial growth.
While gentle cleansers remove surface impurities, an antiseptic cleanser like povidone-iodine helps stop the spread of acne infections.
What Causes Acne?
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), acne occurs when your hair, sebum (your skin’s natural oil), and cells that line the follicle stick together and clog up your pores3. Bacteria thrive in this kind of environment and cause swelling that leads to pimples and lesions3.
Some factors can also heighten your risk for acne3, such as:
Hormonal changes
Family history
Medications
Age
That said, the following can lead to acne3:
Excess oil production
Dead skin cell buildup
Too many bacteria in pores
To treat acne breakouts, it’s important to deal with the source of the inflammation and infection, ex: bacteria on the face.
Why Use an Antiseptic Cleanser on Acne?
More than routine, washing your skin is one way to maintain skin health as it removes dirt, excess sebum, and other environmental impurities4.
For those with acne, a gentle skin cleanser is important as it does the job without further irritating the skin or stripping off its moisture4.
But aside from removing impurities that could clog the pores, it’s also important to address another factor leading to acne: bacteria.
Washing with an antiseptic skin cleanser not only removes sebum and dead skin cell buildup, but also kills off the common germs that cause acne. Thus, helping prevent your skin from flaring out further.
However, not every antiseptic skin cleanser is equally effective. In fact, certain products demonstrate only a restricted ability to fight bacteria5, making them less capable of reducing the bacterial load that triggers acne breakouts.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) 7.5% Skin Cleanser is scientifically proven to combat a wide range of bacteria6, including those that cause acne (based on in-vitro data)7.
How to Wash Your Face with the POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) 7.5% Skin Cleanser
To help control the spread of acne infection, here’s how to use it:
Pour into your hands.
Apply to skin area that you want to clean and protect.
Rub until it lathers and let it stay for up to 1 minute.
Rinse it off thoroughly with water.
Not recommended for continuous daily use throughout the year.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC I0060P062626B
References:
Saurat JH et al. Epidemiology of acne and rosacea: A worldwide global study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 May;90(5):1016-1018.
Nandy P, Shrivastava T. Exploring the Multifaceted Impact of Acne on Quality of Life and Well-Being. Cureus. 2024;16(1):e52727. Published 2024 Jan 22. doi:10.7759/cureus.52727
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Acne. National Institutes of Health website. Updated September 2022. Accessed April 14, 2026. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne.
Mukhopadhyay P. Cleansers and their role in various dermatological disorders. Indian J Dermatol. 2011;56(1):2-6. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.77542
Mahabub Basha M, Balasubramanian B, Philip DC. Effect of different face washes on the bacterial pathogens of skin. World J Adv Res Rev. 2023;20(2):189-196. doi:10.30574/wjarr.2023.20.2.2139.
Chhabra N. Povidone-iodine in dermatology: a reappraisal. CosmoDerma. 2021;1:51. doi:10.25259/CSDM_30_2021.
Ripa S, Bruno R, Reder RF, et al. Clinical applications of Povidone-Iodine as a topical antimicrobial. In: Handbook of Topical Antimicrobials Industrial Applications. Industrial applications in consumer products and Pharmaceuticals. 2002. CRC Press; Print ISBN: 978-0-8247-0788-0.
