Chemical burn caused by povidone-iodine alcohol solution--a case report

Burns associated with chemical disinfectants for skin preparation are rare. Skin irritation and maceration associated with pressure factors may contribute to its occurrence. We report a 24-year-old female with thyroid tumor who was admitted for subtotal thyroidectomy. After anesthetic induction, the patient was placed in the supine position with the trunk elevated to 20 degree. The skin over the anterior neck was sterilized with 10% Povidone-iodine (PI) alcohol solution. After a 3-hour surgery, the patient complained of burning pain over the back at the recovery room. Physical examination revealed a 9 x 11 cm area of skin lesion partially thickened amid on the middle of the back suggestive of chemical burn. After conservative treatment, she was discharged uneventfully 4 days later. Upon follow-up, the wound was seen to heal with minimal scarring within 3 weeks.