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
Tired of Alcohol’s Sting on Wounds? Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Provides a No-Sting Alternative
Importance of proper wound care and highlights povidone-iodine as a sting-free alternative to alcohol for cleaning, disinfecting, protecting, and supporting wound healing.
Small injuries will always be a part of our lives. From getting a skinned knee as a child to minor accidents in the kitchen, you’re bound to get them every now and then. In fact, one study shows you can even get up to 9,672 minor injuries within your lifetime1.
While you can’t avoid them, the next best thing you can do is treat them properly to support wound healing and help prevent further complications, such as sepsis2 — a life-threatening disease caused by infection that can shut down your organs.
One major thing to consider is what to treat your wounds with. Alcohol may be the first thing to come to mind, but the sting that comes with it can be a turn off for a lot of people. We’ve also noted other issues that come with disinfecting with alcohol in a previous blog3.
In this article, we provide a wound disinfectant alternative to alcohol when it comes to sting-free, proper wound care.
Key takeaways
Minor injuries are unavoidable and can lead to serious complications like sepsis if poorly managed.
Alcohol causes pain because it triggers pain-detecting nerve endings in the same way heat does.
No-sting alternatives to treat wounds exist.
Unlike alcohol, which cannot eliminate bacterial spores5, povidone-iodine provides a sting-free, no-alcohol solution9 that kills a wide range of germs based on lab testing.
Why Does Alcohol Sting?
If you’ve ever tried to disinfect your wounds with alcohol, you might have noticed how painful it is upon contact.
That’s because alcohols like ethanol react with nerve endings that detect pain, called nociceptors4. When you place alcohol on a wound, these pain receptors register it in the same way they register heat, thus creating alcohol’s characteristic sting.
Alcohol vs Povidone-Iodine for Wounds
Fortunately, not all disinfectants have that effect during wound treatment. And aside from lacking the characteristic sting, they can also help prevent infection in ways alcohol may not.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)5, alcohol can kill active bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, it may not eliminate bacterial spores, which are structures that help bacteria survive in extreme conditions and stay relatively dormant6.
On the contrary, iodophors — or iodine solutions like povidone-iodine — kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, even certain bacterial spores over prolonged exposure7. While they do contain iodine, they don’t carry its irritating effects because iodine is gradually released from the povidone-iodine complex. So aside from being able to curb germs from reproducing, povidone-iodine is also less likely to sting when applied to wounds.
Povidone-iodine products, then, don’t just clean and disinfect wounds. They also help treat and protect them from further germ growth to help them heal properly.
Proper Wound Care with Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®)
Aside from lacking the sting, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Wound Care also provides four wound treatment steps in one:
Cleans: Aside from wound treatment, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) can also be used to clean your wounds.
Disinfects: It’s clinically-proven to kill 99.99% of bacteria, fungi and viruses in as early as 30 seconds (based on in-vitro data)7.
Protects: Its antiseptic property helps protect your wounds against infection.
Treats: Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) can also help the wound healing process by potentially accelerating tissue repair8.
Note: Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) is not recommended for use in children below 2 years of age.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC I0122P051826BReferences:
Fung B. Infographic: the average person gets 9,672 minor injuries in a lifetime. The Atlantic. Published May 30, 2012. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/05/infographic-the-average-person-gets-9-672-minor-injuries-in-a-lifetime/257777/.
Arora J, Mendelson AA, Fox-Robichaud A. Sepsis: network pathophysiology and implications for early diagnosis. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2023;324(5):R613-R624. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00003.2023.
Betadine Philippines. Debunking 4 common myths about the use of alcohols for wounds. Betadine Philippines website. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://ph.betadine.global/en/ph/knowledge-hub/article/debunking-4-common-myths-about-the-use-of-alcohols-for-wounds.
Trevisani, M., Smart, D., Gunthorpe, M. J., Tognetto, M., Barbieri, M., Campi, B., Amadesi, S., Gray, J., Jerman, J. C., Brough, S. J., Owen, D., Smith, G. D., Randall, A. D., Harrison, S., Bianchi, A., Davis, J. B., & Geppetti, P. (2002). Ethanol elicits and potentiates nociceptor responses via the vanilloid receptor-1. Nature Neuroscience, 5(6), 546–551. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn0602-852
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.
ScienceDirect. Bacterial spore. ScienceDirect Topics. Accessed April 15, 2026. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/bacterial-spore.
Tan et al. Comparative in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of povidone-iodine and other commercially available antiseptics against clinically relevant pathogens. GMS Hygiene and Infection Control 2021,Vol. 16, ISSN 2196-5226
Leaper DJ, Durani P. “Topical antimicrobial therapy of chronic wounds healing by secondary intention using iodine products.” International Wound Journal 2008; 5:361-368.
Ripa S, Bruno N, Reder RF, Casillis R, Roth RI. Clinical applications of povidone-iodine as a topical antimicrobial. In: Paulson DS, editor. Handbook of topical antimicrobials: Industrial applications in consumer products and pharmaceuticals. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc.; 2002. pp. 78-99.
