Dr. Piyush Malav MBBS, MS , General Surgery

Yes, rarely, a chemical burn can develop from Povilin. It develops when during a surgical procedure, Povilin 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. Kapil Sharma MBBS , General Physician

Yes, in rare instances, Povilin may cause allergy. It could be manifested as a rash, an itch, a swelling around the mouth, on lips, tongue or throat, wheezing, sneezing, etc. If you develop any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately. 

Dr. Bharat MBBS , General Physician

No, Povilin 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. Ramraj MBBS , Other

Yes, there have been reports of Povilin causing acute kidney injury. Povilin is widely used as an antiseptic and as a preoperative and postoperative surgical scrub. Its main moiety is iodine which is effective against yeast, fungi, bacteria, and protozoans. However, it is also known to cause toxicity, resulting in acute kidney injury in a person who ingested it, in people in whom it has been used topically, etc.

Dr. Saikat Mukherjee MBBS , General Physician

Povilin 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.