Medical Povidone Iodine Wound Dressing Pad Gauze Paraffin Material

Povidone-iodine gauze dressing is a non-adherent surgical dressing containing the disinfectant povidone-iodine (PVP-I).

This dressing is typically used on open wounds that may become infected, before or after surgery or even used on existing infected wounds. Before use, patients will be asked about any known susceptibility to iodine hypersensitivity.

It is a rather thin dressing that comes sandwiched between backing papers. It will usually require some incisions made to allow it to flex for parts of the body such as a finger or toe. It is applied directly to a recently cleaned wound or even over necrotic tissue with no underlying treatment.

The dressing itself does not have adherent properties apart from the ability to absorb some moisture or blood, and is typically held in place using gauze and then bandage material.

The dressing is a topical wound dressing containing an ointment of 10% povidone-iodine or PVP-I. The dressing contains polyethylene glycol (PEG) and purified water as inactive components.

The povidone polymer provides a sustained release of iodine. The polyethylene glycol provides a moist environment allowing the iodine to reach the bacteria in the wound. PVP-I is the broadest spectrum antiseptic for human use and has no reported cases of acquired reistance and is therefore a very effective bactericide.

The dressing may be quite difficult to apply to areas such as fingers as it has a tendency not to adhere easily by itself by design, and will require incisions and shaping. Once applied, it will conform to the shape correctly when dressed over. It is very effective at preventing bacterial infection.

After a few days the dressing has a tendency to dry out, and must be changed often. Left on too long, it can engage with wound tissue and wound secretions when drier, and be more difficult to remove. A few drops of saline will normally free this up as with most dressings.