WOUND CARE
FEMININE CARE
THROAT 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 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
The Benefits of Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) in Wound Care
Learn how povidone-iodine (PVP-I) simplifies wound care by cleaning, disinfecting, protecting, and supporting the healing of wounds—all without the sting of alcohol.
Whether it's a minor cut from doing household chores or an injury that happens while traveling, wounds are a common part of everyday life. No matter how or where a wound occurs, prompt and proper treatment is essential to help prevent complications such as recurring infections and delayed healing.1,3
However, wound care can sometimes be inconvenient, especially when multiple products are needed for different steps—such as a cleanser to remove dirt and debris, and a disinfectant to help eliminate germs and reduce the risk of infection.
The good news is that some wound care products can serve multiple purposes. One example is Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), which can be used across various stages of wound management. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of PVP-I and how it can help simplify wound care.
Key takeaways
- PVP-I can be used in various steps of the wound care and management process, all without the sting of alcohol.
- PVP-I products can be used to clean wounds and remove germs on broken skin.
- PVP-I disinfects and treats by killing 99.99% of infection-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as disrupting the biofilms that make wounds harder to heal (based on in-vitro data).1
- PVP-I can also aid in the wound healing process. It protects by preventing wound infections and supporting4 the healing process.1
Povidone-Iodine Can Be Used as a Cleanser
When you get wounded, your body does its best to stop the bleeding, trap and get rid of germs and any harmful particles that might have entered the wound, and replace the damaged tissue with new tissue.4
But some factors can interfere with the wound-healing process. Sometimes the microorganisms form biofilms, which act like a protective fortress that hides them from the immune system and make wounds harder to heal.1
That's why you want to clean your wounds. Would cleaning not only removes particles that can contaminate the wound, it also disrupts biofilms, aiding in the healing process.3
In one study, antiseptics like PVP-I were shown to remove more surface-level bacteria than non-antiseptic cleansers (like regular soap) thanks to their ability to penetrate biofilms.3
Povidone-Iodine Disinfects and Protects Your Wounds from Infection
Aside from using PVP-I to clean wounds, you can also use it as a disinfectant.
It has been scientifically proven based on in-vitro data that povidone-iodine kills 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in as early as 30 seconds.6
Wound infections often occur when harmful microorganisms contaminate them.1 By killing these pathogens, PVP-I helps prevent the risk of these infections from happening. And since it doesn’t contain any alcohol, it does all these without the stinging sensation.
Povidone-Iodine Helps Support Wound Healing
While iodine itself can be irritating and corrosive, an iodophor (iodine complexed with a carrier)5 such as PVP-I is able to slowly release iodine, making it more gentle than iodine on the skin and tissues when applied. This way, PVP-I not only kills germs that can cause infection and slow down wound healing time, but it also aids in the wound healing process by supporting5 the healing process.1
A study showed that when applied to post-surgery wounds, PVP-I could help lessen complications.7
Wound Treatment Shouldn’t Be a Hassle
Treating your wounds properly is important if you want them to heal well, but sometimes it's not the most convenient thing to do when several products are required.
Thankfully, the products from the POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Wound Care range are able to offer 4 steps in one: clean, disinfect, protect, and treat wounds — and all without the sting of alcohol.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
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References:
- Bigliardi PL, Alsagoff SAL, El-Kafrawi HY, et al. Povidone iodine in wound healing: a review of current concepts and practices. Int J Surg. 2017;44:260-268. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.06.073.
- Betadine Philippines. Wound care 101: unveiling the secrets of proper healing. Betadine Philippines website. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://ph.betadine.global/en/ph/knowledge-hub/article/wound-care-101--unveiling-the-secrets-of-proper-healing.
- Oropallo A, Rao AS, Del Pin C, Ranire-Maguire M, Mathew A. An objective comparative study of non-surgical cleansing techniques and cleanser types in bacterial burden management. Int Wound J. 2024;21(2):e14730. doi:10.1111/iwj.14730
- Schultz GS, Chin GA, Moldawer L, et al. Principles of wound healing. In: Fitridge R, Thompson M, eds. Mechanisms of Vascular Disease: A Reference Book for Vascular Specialists. University of Adelaide Press; 2011:chap 23. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534261/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chemical disinfectants: guideline for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities (2008). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Updated May 24, 2024. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/disinfection-sterilization/chemical-disinfectants.html.
- Leaper DJ, Durani P. “Topical antimicrobial therapy of chronic wounds healing by secondary intention using iodine products.” International Wound Journal 2008; 5:361-368.
- Harun H, Haroen H, Mirwanti R, Apriani N, Akuoko CP. Uncovering the Benefits of Povidone Iodine Compared to Other Therapeutic Agents in Wound Infection Prevention and Healing Outcomes: A Scoping Review. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024;17:3605-3616. Published 2024 Jul 25. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S469037
