An algorithm for treatment of a patient with an infected wound using povidone-iodine in the outpatient setting

Abstract

The high prevalence of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) urges healthcare professionals to improve the traditional (operative and pharmacological) methods of their treatment, and to find new methods that are applicable in outpatient practice, which can reduce the period of disability and reduce the number of complications. The choice of the right drug for such infections to influence the local infectious process is one of the most important objectives of the local wound therapy. The paper presents data on the effectiveness of Povidone-Iodine (Betadine) for external use with a broad spectrum of action, intended for the treatment of SSTI, including abscesses, furuncles, carbuncles, infected traumatic lesions of the skin and trophic ulcers in Phases 1 to 2 of the wound process. The drug has a pronounced combined effect: antimicrobial (bactericidal, bacteriostatic), wound healing, regenerating, local anesthetic and protective. This brings us to the conclusion about the advantages of Betadine and provide a rationale for its use to treat surgical infections of the skin and soft tissues in the outpatient setting.