Is iodine gentian violet?

Povidone-iodine is the most commonly used disinfectant in the medical field. When many people go to the hospital for injections or infusions, doctors and nurses often apply some povidone-iodine on them for disinfection. Most povidone-iodine is light brown in color and has a strong bactericidal effect. Gentian violet is also a drug used to treat trauma. Although the colors of iodine and gentian violet are different, some people believe that iodine and gentian violet are the same drug. Is this true?

Iodine

"Iodine tincture" is also called "povidone-iodine solution". Iodine complex, that is, complex iodine, is organic iodine and a disinfectant and preservative. It has a killing effect on most bacteria including fungi. It can be used to disinfect the skin and mucous membranes, and can also treat burns, trichomoniasis vaginitis, candidal vaginitis, fungal skin infections, etc. Iodine tincture is generally used in hospitals for hand disinfection before surgery; skin disinfection before surgery; skin disinfection at various injection sites; instrument immersion disinfection; disinfection before vaginal surgery and treatment of vaginitis, etc.

Iodine is very effective in disinfecting common injuries such as burns, frostbite, knife wounds, abrasions, and bruises. Because it is less irritating and less painful than iodine and alcohol, it is easily accepted by patients, has a wide range of uses and is effective, it has basically replaced skin and mucous membrane disinfectants such as alcohol, mercurochrome, iodine, and gentian violet. Although iodine tincture has been widely used in hospitals, non-medical personnel still don't know much about it, and people often go to hospitals to get prescriptions such as mercurochrome, iodine tincture, and gentian violet for use. Povidone-iodine not only has good disinfection and antiseptic effects, it is also a light brown solution that will not contaminate clothes when applied to the body. In view of the above advantages of iodine, it is necessary to keep some iodine in the home as an emergency measure.

The commonly used concentration of iodine tincture is 1%; it can be applied directly for skin disinfection; it can be diluted twice and used for gargling in stomatitis; it can be diluted ten times and used for flushing in vaginitis.

Iodine tincture is a medium-acting disinfectant with rapid bactericidal effect, low toxicity, and no irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. It is suitable for disinfection of the skin and mucous membranes. In addition, it can also be used for general disinfection of medical devices, as well as disinfection of drinking water, environmental surfaces, tableware, and cutlery.

Gentian Purple

Gentian violet, also known as gentian violet (containing 1% gentian violet), is a disinfectant and preservative. It has a good bactericidal effect, is non-irritating to tissues, and can condense into a protective film on the surface of mucous membranes and skin to have an astringent effect. It can be used for superficial wounds, ulcers and skin infections, such as small burns, eczema, herpes, pharyngitis, thrush, etc.

When using gentian violet, you should pay attention to the following points:

1. Gentian violet should not be used to apply purulent wounds. Firstly, the protective film formed will prevent pus from flowing out of the wound, thereby spreading deeper and aggravating the infection; secondly, pus, protein, etc. can reduce its effectiveness.

2. Although gentian violet is mostly used externally, it is also a medicine that can be taken orally. Therefore, when applying it to lips and mouth ulcers, don't worry about swallowing gentian violet and causing poisoning. Swallowing a small amount of gentian violet will not harm your health.

3. When applying gentian violet near the eyes, you must be very careful not to let it flow into the eyes, because it can damage the cornea and cause corneal necrosis and ulcers. If gentian violet accidentally flows into the eyes, rinse the eyes with tap water immediately; in severe cases, go to the hospital for treatment.

4. Because chemical changes are likely to occur when gentian violet is used together with mercurochrome or tincture of iodine, which will significantly reduce or completely ineffective its efficacy, they should not be mixed. In other words, the wound surface that has been applied with iodine or mercurochrome should not be applied with gentian violet again. 5. Gentian violet should not be placed in direct sunlight. When not in use, be sure to tighten the bottle cap to avoid drug deterioration.

5. For oral treatment of pinworm infection, adults should take 30-60 mg of gentian violet three times a day. Children should take no more than 60 mg per day for one week. However, it is contraindicated for pregnant women, patients with gastrointestinal diseases, or patients with impaired liver or kidney function.

6. When applying gentian violet, it is better to use a cotton swab.