Sensitization to povidone-iodine

Eight patients are described with adverse skin reactions to povidone-iodine-containing preparations (Betadine). Patch test reactions were positive to povidone-iodine 5 or 10 per cent in petrolatum or to Betadine Solution, Ointment, or Scrub. In five of eight patients, also tested with potassium iodide in concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 per cent in petrolatum, the reactions were negative. Open tests with iodine tincture performed in three patients were completely negative. Allergy to povidone-iodine seems not to be based on sensitization to iodine.