Dr. Manoj Meena MBBS , General Physician

No, Zovi is not an antibiotic. It is an antiseptic. It is used against fungi, yeast, bacteria, and protozoans. It is also used as a disinfectant for cleaning the equipment. It is used extensively as an antiseptic because of its good safety, efficacy and tolerability profile. It is broad-spectrum in nature and doesn't have the complication of resistance developing to it. 

Dr. Piyush Malav MBBS, MS , General Surgery

Yes, rarely, a chemical burn can develop from Zovi. It develops when during a surgical procedure, Zovi is used, however, it doesn't dry and starts dripping, and collects in a body part. Symptoms may develop instantly or after a day. It develops because iodine causes irritation, maceration, pressure and then friction. Healing might not require much medical intervention but it causes discomfort, might prolong the hospital stay and expose a person to an infection. 

Dr. Saikat Mukherjee MBBS , General Physician

Zovi is also known as an iodophor, meaning that povidone is a carrier of iodine. Iodine kills the microbes as it acts as the active molecule. Once released from the complex, the free iodine penetrates into the cell walls of the microorganisms and inhibits the synthesis and structures of proteins and nucleic acids. Even though the complete mechanism is not understood, it is hypothesized that iodine disrupts the vital bacterial structures and mechanisms, denaturing and deactivating the bacteria. In-vitro studies have also suggested that iodine decreases the inflammation caused by the pathogens and host cells.

Dr. Bharat MBBS , General Physician

No, Zovi should not be used for the treatment of vaginitis in pregnant women. This is because exposure to iodine-containing solution could lead to the development of hypothyroidism and goiter in the infant. Vaginitis is the swelling of the vulva or vagina. It may develop from the use of soap, perfumes, not washing well, menopause, wearing tight undergarments, etc. It can stem from a bacterial, yeast, fungal or a protozoan infection. It can be effectively managed by washing the infected area with only water, keeping it dry, taking a warm bath, wearing comfortable undergarments, keeping the blood sugar levels under control and using pads and not tampons. It is also important to use an antiseptic as per the recommendations of a doctor.

Dr. Kapil Sharma MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Zovi is suitable for a fungal infection. Fungal infections can be managed by using a topical treatment and adhering to it, by washing the skin with slightly warm water and an antifungal soap or a wash, by keeping the skin dry, by daily washing the towel, bedsheet and the clothes, by not wearing tight clothes, etc.