Can I absorb iodine through my skin?

Author: Prof. Reuben Walsh III  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

Notably some surgical hand-scrub solutions, which are considered safe antiseptics, contain large amounts of iodine that can be absorbed by skin.

How do you take iodine for best absorption?

Take strong iodine in a full glass (8 ounces) of water or in fruit juice, milk, or broth to improve the taste and lessen stomach upset. Be sure to drink all of the liquid to get the full dose of medicine.

What happens if iodine solution gets on your skin?

Strong solution of iodine is corrosive and can cause blistering and necrosis of skin, commonly referred to as chemical burns or irritant contact dermatitis. Iodine has thus been replaced by substances known as iodophores that contain an iodine molecule linked to a large molecular-weight organic compound.

How do you put iodine on your skin for a thyroid test?

Paint a 2-inch circle of tincture of iodine on soft skin tissue, such as the inner arm or thigh. Wait to see what happens: if the yellow-orange stain takes more than 6 hours to disappear, you are likely to be iodine-replete. If the stain is absorbed quickly (within 1-3 hours), your body may need a higher iodine intake.

Can you put iodine on your face?

While there is limited data regarding the safety of povidone-iodine for acne, it has been used for decades in surgery and is generally safe, even around the eyes and mouth, Dr. Alam said. But, the solution should not be swallowed, injected, or deliberately introduced into the nose, mouth, eyes, or ears.

Iodine Depleted Girl Absorbs Iodine Super Fast Through Skin

Can you absorb iodine from skin?

Conclusion. Our study demonstrated in vitro that iodine can be absorbed through the skin when PI antiseptic is used in a time and area exposed dependent manner. Iodine is present in different preparations including soap, solutions, surgical scrub used by health care professionals.

What happens if you put iodine on a pimple?

Iodine is a disinfectant used in medical settings, and TikTokers are also putting it on zits. A dermatologist says it can be effective, but also lead to skin irritation and inflammation. He recommends using benzoyl peroxide instead for drying out pimples and preventing infection.

What blocks iodine absorption?

Consumption of foods that contain goitrogens, substances that interfere with the uptake of iodine in the thyroid, can exacerbate iodine deficiency [2]. Foods high in goitrogens include soy, cassava, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower).

Is iodine safe to leave on skin?

Povidone iodine can be used both prophylactically during wound cleaning and therapeutically as leave-on application in contaminated chronic and acute wounds. A typical regimen for cleaning is a soaking time of 20 min each, using cycle frequencies of four to eight cycles per day [59].

Where is the best place to put iodine?

You can even apply iodine directly to your skin. A 5% iodine solution is ideal for this purpose. It is easy to apply and gets quickly absorbed into the skin. For optimum results, you should apply the solution over your thyroid gland area or near it so that your thyroid can efficiently utilize the iodine.

Why does iodine turn black on skin after?

The yellow-orange iodine will turn blue-black as it reacts with starch. (The iodine solution will show no reaction with simple carbohydrates or sugars.) *Note: Iodine may stain when it comes into contact with the skin. There may be some reactions associated with iodine.

Is povidone-iodine the same as iodine?

A commonly used antimicrobial agent is povidone-iodine (Betadine), a complex of iodine, the bactericidal component, with polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone), a synthetic polymer. The most common commercial form is a 10% solution in water yielding 1% available iodine.

Can you leave betadine on skin overnight?

Can I leave betadine on my skin overnight? As a first-aid antiseptic, betadine is composed of the active ingredient povidone-iodine. Doctors consider it safe for overnight use. It works effectively by slowly discharging iodine into the skin to kill active bacteria and fungi.

What happens to your body when you start taking iodine?

Iodine is a mineral found in some foods. The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones. These hormones control the body's metabolism and many other important functions. The body also needs thyroid hormones for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy.

What stimulates iodine uptake?

In response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) secretion by the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates iodine trapping, thyroid hormone synthesis, and release of T4 and T3 by the thyroid gland.

How do you know if you're low in iodine?

Symptoms of iodine deficiency and related thyroid disorders can include: Swelling of thyroid glands in the neck. A visible lump (goiter) on your neck. Weight gain, fatigue and weakness.

Can I take iodine on my skin?

Iodine in larger amounts can cause metallic taste, soreness of teeth and gums, burning in mouth and throat, stomach upset, and many other side effects. When applied to the skin: Iodine is likely safe for most people when appropriately diluted products are used.

Why can't you buy iodine anymore?

Q. Why is 7 percent tincture of iodine no longer available at retail stores or through catalogs for dipping calf navels? A. Creative illegal drug manufacturers and unscrupulous livestock supply dealers conspired to use 7 percent iodine to produce iodine crystals, which were then used to produce methamphetamines.

What are the symptoms of too much iodine?

Symptoms of iodine poisoning include:
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Coughing.
  • Delirium.
  • Diarrhea, sometimes bloody.
  • Fever.
  • Gum and tooth soreness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Metallic taste in mouth.

Is iodine absorbed topically?

Iodine can be absorbed through intact skin in time dependent manner. In professional use the repetitive contact with PI, also as soap, can cause iodine skin permeation that must be considered when the washing procedures are repeated more than 20 times a day.

What food is highest in iodine?

According to the National Institutes of Health, these eight foods are some of the best sources of iodine available.
  • Seaweed. Hands down, seaweed is the best source of iodine available. ...
  • Cod. ...
  • Iodized Salt. ...
  • Nonfat Milk. ...
  • Greek Yogurt. ...
  • Oysters. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Enriched Bread.

What should you not take iodine with?

What Other Drugs Interact with Iodine?
  • amiloride.
  • drospirenone.
  • iodine (radioactive)
  • iodoquinol.
  • lithium.
  • methimazole.
  • potassium acid phosphate.
  • potassium chloride.

Can you put iodine on broken skin?

Antiseptic Properties: Iodine is a potent antiseptic agent that effectively kills a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When applied to wounds, it helps to reduce the risk of infection and prevents microbial growth within the wound bed.

Does iodine detox your body?

Evidence indicates that increased iodine consumption replaces and therefore helps detox other halogens, such as fluoride and bromide, and even toxic metals like lead, aluminum and mercury. One theory is that liberal amounts of iodine in the diet can protect against the harmful effects of fluoridated water.

Does iodine clog pores?

When there's more iodide than the body can use, the excess is excreted through the sweat glands. That's where it can become a problem for your skin. As it's excreted, iodide irritates the pores and causes acne flare-ups. It's especially troublesome to the susceptible pores in acne-prone skin.

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