The use of povidone-iodine in superficial partial-thickness burns

Infection is of primary concern to those practitioners treating burns patients, as it is one of the primary complications associated with acute wounds and particularly with superficial partial-thickness burns. In the fight to reduce the risks, many practitioners deploy common antimicrobials agents prophylactically to help reduce risks, e.g. povidone-iodine. This review will examine the evidence to support this practice. The deployment of povidone-iodine in wound care is highly controversial, with questions being raised concerning not only the effectiveness of the product but also its safety and effect on wound healing. The use of povidone-iodine has been investigated both in vitro and in vivo, resulting in conflicting and often contradictory results. Of the work completed to date, researchers have failed to identify or control for extraneous variables which makes it difficult to compare and interpret research findings. The potential benefits or harm that the use of povidone-iodine may elicit in acute wounds is yet to be established.