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When it comes to wound management, the ultimate goal is to minimize the risk of opportunistic infection and aid the healing process.  

For many, a common practice to clean a wound is using rubbing alcohol, which is easily available at pharmacies. However, rubbing alcohol is not always the right choice for wounds, despite its antiseptic properties and its use in healthcare settings as low-level disinfectants.

Why is alcohol not preferred as a disinfectant for wounds?  

  • Topically applied ethanol (in the form of cosmetics or hand disinfectants) on unlacerated human skin can cause toxic effects if applied on damaged skin, especially in children.  
  • The antimicrobial activity of alcohol is significantly lower at concentrations below 50%.  
  • Rubbing alcohol lacks sporicidal activity and has poor activity against certain non-enveloped viruses, hence alcohols are not recommended for sterilization.  
  • Besides skin cancer, alcohol abuse on the skin has been associated with the development of several skin disorders, including psoriasis, discoid eczema and superficial infections.  
  • Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol exposure increases biofilm formation of S. aureus and S. epidermidis (bacteria that can cause skin infections) at concentrations used in clinical settings. A biofilm is a colony of microbes encased in a matrix which can become attached to a wound surface and can affect the healing of the wound.  
  • 70 - 80% ethanol solutions can cause unpleasant stinging.  

Until unambiguous evidence on the safety of ethanol in topical preparation exists, the necessity of its use should be critically evaluated and it is better substituted with other compounds.

What advantages does Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) have over rubbing alcohol?  

Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) provides an alternative to rubbing alcohol with a range of products that offers wound care from start to finish. Our solutions are formulated with povidone-iodine (PVP-I), a powerful, broad spectrum topical antiseptic with properties to help prevent infections and promote  healthy wound healing.  

Topical antiseptics are antimicrobial agents that kill, inhibit or reduce the number of microorganisms, which are essential for wound infection control. 

The 2021 Wound Antiseptics and European Guidelines for Antiseptic Application in Wound Treatment states the following characteristics of an antiseptic for wounds:  
  • Broad spectrum with no microbial resistance  
  • Active in the presence of biofilms and interfering substances (i.e. blood, exudates)
  • Minimal cytotoxicity (toxicity to cells causing cell damage or death)  
  • Has anti-inflammatory properties  
  • Promotes or does not interfere with wound healing  
  • Good tolerability  

PVP-I, one of the most commonly used antiseptics in healthcare and surgical settings, has all the characteristics of a good antiseptic, making it a good choice for the treatment and prevention of infections in wound care. PVP-I’s features include:  

  • Kills bacteria, several viruses, fungi, spores and protozoa.  
  • No reported acquired resistance or cross resistance.  
  • Efficacy on wound healing in the presence of biofilms.  
  • Very low cytotoxicity compared to other antiseptics.  
  • Only weak, allergic activity.  
  • Good skin tolerance. 
  • Duration of effect on skin is 12-14 hours based on in-vitro data.

Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) has rapid antimicrobial activity with a 99.99% kill rate in 30 - 60 seconds against a wide range of pathogens responsible for wound infections, even when diluted, based on invitro data. 


PVP-I is also proven to be an effective cleansing agent and improves wound healing. In addition, it has a better tolerability profile compared to other antiseptics. 

PVP-I has also been shown to reduce infection, promote wound healing in surgical wounds, as well as improve wound healing times in chronic wounds. 

All of this makes the Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) range a better option over rubbing alcohol to clean, disinfect and treat wounds. 

Start your wound care with Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Antiseptic Solution which is a foursteps in-one product to clean, disinfect, protect and treat to prevent infections in minor cuts, wounds, abrasions and burns, with no alcohol and no pain or stinging. It kills over 99.99% of bacteria, fungi and viruses, including non-enveloped types that are resistant to alcohol, and is clinically proven to be effective in  controlling wound infections. It is also tolerated well and rarely associated with contact dermatitis.  

Follow up with Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Antiseptic Ointment, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 5% Antiseptic Cream, or Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 2.5% Dry Powder Spray, and cover up the wound with a plaster or dressing, as necessary. 

 

If you have any questions regarding the management of your wound or if symptoms persist, consult your doctor as your physician understands your condition best.

ASC I0028P060325B

POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®)  2.5% DRY POWDER SPRAY

No touch
No drip
No sting
Cooling effect

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chemical Disinfectants. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/disinfection-sterilization/chemical-disinfectants.html. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Rotavirus . Available at https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/about/index.html. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  3. West, Mary. Does alcohol kill viruses? What to know. Available at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-alcohol-kill-viruses. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  4. Tan EL, Johari NH. Comparative in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of povidone-iodine and other commercially available antiseptics against clinically relevant pathogens. GMS Hyg Infect Control. 2021 Jan 26;16:Doc05
  5. Eggers M. Infectious Disease Management and Control with Povidone Iodine. Infect Dis Ther. 2019 Dec;8(4):581-593
  6. Kawana R, Kitamura T, Nakagomi O, Matsumoto I, Arita M, Yoshihara N, Yanagi K, Yamada A, Morita O, Yoshida Y, Furuya Y, Chiba S. Inactivation of human viruses by povidone-iodine in comparison with other antiseptics. Dermatology. 1997;195 Suppl 2:29-35
  7. Lachenmeier, Dirk W. Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity. Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England). Vol. 3 26. 13 Nov. 2008.
  8. Luther MK, et al. Ethanol and Isopropyl Alcohol Exposure Increases Biofilm Formation in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Infectious diseases and therapy. Vol. 4, 2 (2015):219-26.
  9. Lachapelle, JM, et al. Clinical Practice. 2013; 10. 579-592. 10.2217/cpr.13.50
  10. Cleveland Clinic. Wound Care: How to Care for an Open Wound or Cut. Available at https://health.clevelandclinic.org/handling-injuries-from-small-cuts-to-serious-wounds. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  11. Bigliardi P, et al. Povidone iodine in wound healing: A review of currentconcepts and practices. Int J Surg. 2017;44:260-268.
  12. Helmensine, AM. Why Does Alcohol Burn on a Cut or Wound?. Available at https://www.thoughtco.com/why-alcohol-burns-on-a-cut-or-wound-608398. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  13. Fletcher, J. What uses does rubbing alcohol have?. Available at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/rubbing-alcohol-uses. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  14. Key, AP. What to Know About Rubbing Alcohol. Available at https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/ss/rubbing-alcohol-uses. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  15. WebMD. Rubbing Alcohol vs. Hydrogen Peroxide. Available at https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/difference-between-rubbing-alcohol-hydrogen-peroxide. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  16. Nall, R. 26 Uses for Rubbing Alcohol, Plus What You Shouldn’t Use It For . Available at https://www.healthline.com/health/rubbing-alcohol-uses#medical-practices. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  17. What are the side effects of Isopropyl Alcohol? . Available at https://synapse.patsnap.com/article/what-are-the-side-effects-of-isopropyl-alcohol. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  18. Understanding the Toxicity of Isopropyl Alcohol and Its Effects on the Body https://boldstepsbh.com/toxicity-isopropyl-alcohol-effects-health/. Accessed on December 18, 2024
  19. Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Wound Range FDA Approved Patient Information Leaflets (PILs)
  20. Laguipo AB. First Aid for Cuts and Wounds. News Medical Lifesciences. Accessed September 24, 2023. https://www.news-medical.net/health/First-Aid-for-Cuts-and-Wounds.aspx.
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  23. Rajpaul K. Biofilm in wound care. Br J Community Nurs. 2015 Mar;Suppl Wound Care:S6, S8, S10-1.
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  25. Davey, R. What is Cytotoxicity?. Available at https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Cytotoxicity.aspx. Accessed on December 18, 2024