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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Can you drink alcohol after being scalded by oil?

After being scalded by oil, one should not drink alcohol, as alcohol can accelerate local blood circulation at the burn site, thereby worsening local congestion, swelling, and pain, and also prolonging the healing time of the wound. Therefore, after being scalded by oil, it is not advisable to consume beer, spirits, fruit wines, or yellow wine. Patients also need to be mindful of their diet and avoid consuming spicy foods such as raw onions, raw garlic, chili peppers, and leeks, which, like alcohol, can cause an increase in local congestion, swelling, and pain.

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How to treat burns from cupping therapy

For minor cupping burns without blistering, apply local iodine for disinfection and keep the area dry. If there are small blisters, let the skin absorb them naturally, disinfect daily with iodine, and keep the blistered skin intact. If the blisters are larger, clean a needle to puncture them and release the fluid, then keep the area dry and disinfect daily with iodine. If the patient has diabetes, or if the burn is severe or covers a large area, seek treatment at a burn clinic.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to deal with a skin scald that has broken the skin?

After a skin burn breaks the skin, if the area is relatively small and there is no obvious swelling, a moisturizing burn ointment can be applied. If the area is larger and accompanied by some exudation and swelling, it is necessary to go to the hospital for timely treatment. Under the guidance of a doctor, antibiotic ointment should be applied, and oral antibiotics should be taken. Common choices include Cefalexin, Cefradine dispersible tablets, and erythromycin for anti-infection treatment. Antibiotics can be used if there is no allergic reaction to them. If severe burn symptoms occur, combined with serious infections, swelling, and significant exudation, it is crucial to go to the hospital for medical treatment immediately. Severe cases may require hospitalization. Do not scratch the skin yourself, and avoid spicy and irritating food.

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Written by Wang Xiang Li
Emergency Medicine
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Do you need to take medicine for a burn on your hand?

Whether medication is needed after a burn depends on the individual. If a hand is burned, it should first be rinsed under running tap water or soaked for at least half an hour. If the skin is not broken, it can be disinfected with iodine and then burn ointment may be applied. If there is blistering and the skin is broken, indicating a severe burn, larger blisters should be punctured at the base with a sterile needle and the fluid can be pressed out with a cotton swab while preserving the overlying skin. Then, sterile gauze should be used daily to re-dress the wound. If the burned area is oozing and the pain is significant, oral anti-bacterial and pain relief medications can be taken. If not allergic to cephalosporins, a cephalosporin antibiotic can be taken. For pain, ibuprofen can be used. If the burn is severe, it is necessary to seek timely medical treatment. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication.)

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How many days do I need to apply ointment for a burn on my finger?

The duration of applying medication for a finger burn depends on the severity of the burn. If the burn is minor, medication is generally applied for two to three days until the pain is not significant, and then it may no longer be necessary to apply medication, as mild burns only affect the epidermis and relief from pain is sufficient. If the burn is more severe, medication may need to be applied for a longer period. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately rinse the burn under running water for at least half an hour to cool it down and minimize further progression of the burn. This action is beneficial for recovery. Additionally, if the burn is quite severe, it is advisable to seek prompt medical treatment at a hospital.