Can iodophor be used to disinfect burns?

Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
Updated on May 11, 2025
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After a burn, it is possible to disinfect with povidone-iodine. Povidone-iodine has a broad spectrum of antibacterial effects and can kill proliferating bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. After a burn occurs on the skin, the first step is to reduce the temperature of the skin, which can be done by soaking in running tap water or cold water for more than half an hour to alleviate pain. Then, disinfect with povidone-iodine. After disinfecting with povidone-iodine, apply burn moistening cream locally, and then wrap it with sterile gauze. Change the dressing once a day, and after dressing, try not to come into contact with water to prevent infection. Also, avoid friction between the wound and the gauze, as this could affect the healing of the wound. Generally, mild burns can heal in about two weeks.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Why do burns on fingers blister?

After a finger is scalded, the high local temperature causes some damage underneath the skin, resulting in the skin oozing fluid. This fluid accumulates and forms blisters, so after a scald, the finger may develop a blister or several blisters. Once a blister has formed, try not to puncture it. It can be disinfected with iodine and allowed to absorb slowly on its own. Puncturing the blister might lead to infection, worsening the condition. Generally, after a finger is scalded and a blister forms, it suffices to disinfect the area. Of course, it is crucial to cool the finger quickly after the scald to minimize further damage.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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Do you need to bandage after a burn?

Whether bandaging is needed depends on the severity of the burn. Generally, if it's just simple redness, no bandaging is needed. After the local skin is scalded, if blisters form, it is considered a superficial second-degree burn. You can first rinse with cold water or soak in cold water for more than half an hour, or apply ice to reduce the pain. Before bandaging, clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, then disinfect the wound surface with iodine, release the water inside the blister while keeping the blister skin, then apply burn ointment on the gauze, cover the wound surface, and then use multiple layers of dry gauze for bandaging. Generally, change the dressing every three days, and recovery can occur within two weeks, leaving no scars later. Patients should maintain a light diet, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, avoid spicy and stimulating food, and abstain from alcohol.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What should I do if I get a burn on my face?

If a burn occurs on the face, first rinse the burned area with running tap water or immerse the burned part of the face in a basin of tap water to promptly reduce the temperature of the burn site and lessen heat damage to the deeper tissues. Be sure the water is not too cold and generally rinse or soak for about 30 minutes, until the pain at the wound site significantly eases, and then rinsing or soaking may be discontinued. After rinsing or soaking in cool water, observe the burned area. If the burn site is slightly purple and red, you can apply some burn ointment at home. If there are obvious blisters or the skin is broken, protect the burn site with a clean towel and go to the nearest hospital burn department for professional medical treatment quickly. Be sure to protect the blisters on the burn site to avoid bursting them.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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What should I do if I have an esophageal burn?

Esophageal burns are a common and frequently occurring condition caused by consuming food or for other reasons where the temperature is too high, which damages the mucous membrane of the esophagus. At that time, one should immediately stop eating to reduce harm to the body. For mild cases, one can orally take egg whites or milk to protect the injured esophageal mucosa. Severe cases need to go to the hospital for medical treatment, take gastric mucosal protectants to prevent the formation of esophageal mucosal scars, prevent esophageal stricture, and at the same time, receive intravenous fluids, enhance nutritional support, supplement necessary vitamins, and can also use some drugs that promote the recovery of the esophageal mucosa, minimizing the damage of esophageal burns to the body.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Are second-degree burns serious?

Second-degree burns are serious and are classified into superficial and deep second-degree burns. Superficial second-degree burns manifest as local redness, swelling, pain, and blister formation. Deep second-degree burns primarily affect the dermis, resulting in tissue necrosis and nerve damage, which are indicated by local pain and abnormal sensations. For both superficial and deep second-degree burns, it is necessary to immediately rinse the affected area with running cold water for at least half an hour, or until the pain eases. Afterward, it is essential to go to a hospital for thorough disinfection with iodophor to prevent infection. For deep second-degree burns, debridement is also necessary, and skin grafting may be required to facilitate tissue recovery. However, certain sequelae may remain, so it is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions to change dressings regularly. Additionally, attention should be paid to diet; avoid spicy, stimulating, and fermenting foods. Drinking more water and consuming fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins, as well as high-protein and high-nutrient foods, are beneficial for recovery.