The Counter-irritating Efficacy of Topical Povidone-iodine in Thermal Burns

Testing the Counter-irritating Efficacy of Topical Povidone-iodine in Thermal Burns; Comparison to Conventional Treatments

Skin burns are one of the causes of disability, suffering and death in humans. Anecdotal, uncontrolled studies have shown the efficacy of povidone-iodine ointment in human skin burns, provided the preparation was applied shortly after the exposure to the heat source. The proposed study will conduct a controlled study in which the effect of povidone-iodine ointment will be tested in large group of patients and will be compared with standard cold water treatment.

Skin burns are one of the causes of disability, suffering and death in humans. The current treatment includes application of cold water or other plant origin preparations. However non of these treatments was shown to be efficacious.

Animal studies have demonstrated the pronounced protective effect of povidone-iodine ointment against thermal burns. Moreover, anecdotal, uncontrolled studies in humans have shown the efficacy of povidone-iodine ointment in human skin burns, provided the preparation was applied shortly after the exposure to the heat source. The proposed study will conduct a controlled study in which the effect of povidone-iodine ointment will be tested in large group of patients and will be compared with standard cold water treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• skin burns in children

Exclusion Criteria:

• allergy to iodine