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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Betadine Be Applied On An Infected Surgical Wound?

My husband had stitches in his leg and it has since opened up and is infected. He s taking Keflex. The nurse dresses the wound every couple of days but he wants to take it off tonight after a shower to apply a new one. He thinks she said to apply betnovate, but we only have betadine. Would that be ok to use ?
Wed, 28 Nov 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

Using Betadine anywhere besides intact skin is not recommended as it hinders the healing process. Benzoate contains a potent cortico-steroid and is not recommended either.

I can't give you a personal recommendation since I have not examined the wound but in such cases we have to keep it clean and dry. If pus is coming out of the wound or the wounded area is too smelly then you should ask for a reassessment by the doctor.

Until then, just keep it clean and dry! If you'd like to use Betadine then use it to clean intact adjacent skin only.

I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist
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Can Betadine Be Applied On An Infected Surgical Wound?

Hello, Using Betadine anywhere besides intact skin is not recommended as it hinders the healing process. Benzoate contains a potent cortico-steroid and is not recommended either. I can t give you a personal recommendation since I have not examined the wound but in such cases we have to keep it clean and dry. If pus is coming out of the wound or the wounded area is too smelly then you should ask for a reassessment by the doctor. Until then, just keep it clean and dry! If you d like to use Betadine then use it to clean intact adjacent skin only. I hope I ve answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance. Regards, Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist