Definition
Iodine is a chemical element and has the element symbol I with atomic number 53. Iodine is in the 7th main group of the periodic table and thus belongs to the halogens (salt formers). The word iodine comes from ancient Greek and stands for violet, purple.
Iodine is a solid that looks like crystal and shines metallically. Already at room temperature this solid emits violet vapors. Humans need iodine as an essential building block for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
In order for the body to have enough iodine available, the daily intake of iodine in food should not fall below 200 micrograms. One can prescribe iodine in tablet form if there is an iodine deficiency. Since the thyroid gland is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones, almost all of the iodine in food is stored in the thyroid gland.
Medical application
Iodine is applied and used in medicine in various places. Especially as a disinfectant and in radioactive form iodine is used in medicine.
Iodine as disinfectant
Iodine has been used for a very long time as a disinfectant for cleaning wounds. Disinfecting means the opposite of infecting. Microorganisms causing an infection are thus rendered harmless by disinfection.
Microorganisms are bacteria, viruses and fungi. The pathogens are damaged by the disinfectant so that they lose their ability to infect humans. The disinfectant damages the cover of the microorganisms or spores.
In addition to chemical substances, a disinfecting effect can also be achieved by radiation or heat. Ever since bacteria etc. were discovered as pathogens, people have also been looking for substances to kill these pathogens.
Already the first disinfectants contained iodine. Today’s disinfectants containing iodine (e.g. iodine tincture or iodoform) contain iodine in elementary form. They are used as antimycotic and antiseptic.
The antibacterial effect of iodine is probably based on the fact that iodine splits off oxygen from water. This oxygen is then very reactive and forms a bond with the cell wall of the pathogen, causing it to become damaged and thus leak. Nowadays, iodine is often used as a disinfectant.
It is unsuitable for surfaces and objects. The area of application of disinfectants containing iodine is the skin and mucous membranes. Disinfectants containing iodine are used in particular for cleaning the skin before operations.
The disinfectant is applied generously to the surgical site with swabs before the operation. One starts inside and goes in circles to the outside. The entire surgical area is generously moistened several times.
Iodine is effective against bacteria (bactericidal) and against fungi (fungicidal). Furthermore it is (less) effective against spores and viruses (virucidal). Iodine in the disinfectant has two side effects, it burns during application and it leaves a stubborn yellow color.
If you hurt yourself, you should disinfect the wound. This is especially necessary in case of extensive abrasions and wounds that are contaminated. For this purpose, the wound should be cleaned for at least thirty seconds with the disinfectant containing iodine.
In this process, coarse dirt should also be removed. Then the wound or the disinfectant is allowed to dry and the wound is bandaged with a sterile dressing or similar. It is important that the wound is dry when it is bandaged.
Disinfectants containing iodine can also be used in the mouth and throat area. For example, in case of tonsillitis, an iodine solution can be used for gargling. The iodine solution should only be used in a diluted form, for this purpose you should consult a specialist (pharmacist, doctor).
In addition, one should not gargle too long, since the oral mucosa can be irritated. In addition, one must note that the diluted iodine solution must not be swallowed. Disinfectants containing iodine, such as iodine tincture, are now available at a reasonable price. Since the disinfectant also contains large quantities of iodine, an iodine allergy can occur, which can also be dangerous. For further information, we recommend our page on: Iodine allergy – What you should consider
