Iodine is currently a very common medicine, which is aimed at disinfecting the skin in different areas, as well as for use in cases of damage.
But do iodine and acne go together? Is it possible to use iodine if pustules and acne appear? Yes, iodine is, in fact, used in the fight against acne. But how to properly direct the action of iodine on acne?
Does iodine help with acne on the face and how effective is such a drug? We will also consider the available treatment methods, how to use iodine correctly, as well as contraindications for use.
To cauterize or not to cauterize
Is it worth burning acne with iodine? Experts' opinions on this issue are divided. Why? Because this method has its pros and cons and special care is needed when using iodine.
Also, it is better to consult a doctor on this issue, who will give the best advice that concerns you personally, based on your skin type and the cause of the problem.
The fact is that ulcers have their own specific structure. The upper layers of the skin are irritated by the focus of the abscess, and it is located deep under the epidermis - in the dermis itself.
If you start cauterizing an abscess with iodine, then only the top layer of skin is damaged, and not the source of the problem itself.
This, in turn, aggravates the situation by causing the damaged skin tissue to rot, thereby feeding the pimple, which soon begins to grow in size and become more noticeable.
If you start this process, the situation may worsen and lead to the need to urgently consult a surgeon.
On the other hand, by carefully applying iodine only along the contours of the abscess, the pimple can be dried out and, ultimately, get rid of it.
Iodine removes moisture from the epidermis, which causes pus to break through much faster. Thereby ensuring rapid maturation and disappearance of the pimple.
Efficacy of the substance
There is also debate on this issue. As mentioned above, if used incorrectly, iodine can only worsen the situation and increase the amount of inflammation. On the other hand, iodine still helps in the fight against acne.
In addition, the effectiveness largely depends on the type of inflammation and the type of acne that is on the face:
- White eel (millet). It can be treated spot-on without applying iodine to healthy skin. Millet can be treated using this method if there is not too much inflammation on the skin of the face.
- Comedones (blackheads). Such acne will not be removed with iodine. But it can be used for preventive purposes, reducing areas of inflammation. To do this, wipe the face with a solution of iodine from time to time.
- Subcutaneous pimple. Can be treated with a special iodine solution.
- Internal pimple. It can be treated with iodine by gently applying it to the acne. This procedure can relieve inflammation and get rid of this type of acne.
Iodine is a fairly effective remedy in the fight against acne, but you need to be careful when applying it.
Afterword
As you can see, cauterization of acne with iodine is an effective, but not safe, technique. You should be careful and not get too carried away, even if you like the results. After the procedure, you need to give the skin some time to recover. [youtube width=”720" height=”315"]rzmt1-YmlJ0[/yo[/youtube]
To do this, for 3-4 days you need to exclude any fatty creams, cosmetics, scented soaps and other products that actively affect the skin. Remember, you should never burn pimples with alcohol, iodine or any other potent substances. This will only make the problem worse.
Is it possible to treat
You can treat acne with iodine if you use this remedy correctly and choose a good method in the fight against acne. But this does not exclude the possibility of side effects.
Methods
One of the methods for treating acne with iodine is to apply iodine directly to the abscess (preferably on its edges) using a cotton swab.
Also, the optimal remedy against inflammation are prepared iodine-based lotions and other mixtures with iodine. It is necessary to use one or another method, taking into account the type of inflammation.
We use it correctly
In order to properly apply the iodine procedure, you will need:
- cleanser;
- alcohol solution of iodine;
- cotton buds;
- cream with antibacterial effect.
Sequence of the procedure:
- Before you start treating acne with iodine, you need to cleanse the skin of dirt and other components. Any product intended for washing, which is sold in abundance in pharmacies and cosmetic stores, is suitable for this.
Under no circumstances should you use regular soap, as its composition has a negative effect on the balance of the skin.
And if there are acne, this indicates that there are already problems with balance. And soap will simply make the situation worse.
- To directly treat acne, you need to soak cotton swabs in iodine. Then you need to treat each pimple for a few minutes to make the result more noticeable and effective. As a result, iodine has a beneficial effect by drying out acne.
- After the procedure and exposure for some time, iodine can cause an unpleasant feeling of tightness on the face. In this case, it is necessary to treat the face with an antibacterial cream that contains phenolic acid, which has a beneficial effect on the face. You should not use moisturizing cream or any oil on the skin of the face, as this can, at best, interrupt the effect of iodine components on acne, and at worst, harm the skin.
But you shouldn’t expect results immediately after use. This product must be applied regularly for results to be seen. In addition, care must be taken when applying the alcohol solution of iodine.
What happens if you put iodine on a pimple?
Iodine has antibacterial and disinfectant properties due to the fact that it folds the proteins of bacteria, killing them in the process. This protects the ulcers from the possibility of infection and the process of suppuration.
Iodine also relieves irritation, causing a response to the solution of this remedy, stimulating blood flow. Therefore, when iodine gets to the source of the problem, it first of all kills bacteria from the skin area.
Thanks to its cauterizing property, iodine perfectly dries out the abscess, allowing it to heal faster. But this property can also negatively affect both the skin and the pimple, causing a burn.
In this case, the upper balls of the epidermis begin to rot, aggravating the situation. Therefore, cauterization of inflammation is associated with such a risk, and it must be done carefully.
Read the reasons for the appearance of acne on the face. Causes of purulent acne. More details here.
Side effects
If this medicine is used incorrectly or excessively, side effects may occur.
If you exceed the permissible iodine intake at one time, iodism (excess iodine in the body) may occur.
When this phenomenon occurs, 2 main symptoms appear in the form of a change in the color of the oral cavity and an unpleasant odor from it.
Also, iodine and acne can cause the exact opposite effect to what is desired - acne becomes even larger than before. Since iodine leaving the body through the pores causes irritation of the skin tissues and inflames them.
Treatment rules
Before you start treating acne with iodine, you should seek advice from a doctor, who will recommend the most effective method and point out any contraindications.
He can also establish the permissible dose required for a person. In no case should you exceed the permissible amount, as this leads not only to iodism, but can also cause burns and allergies.
It is also necessary to cleanse the skin before applying iodine to acne.
Masks and lotions
To make an anti-acne mask with iodine you need to take:
- 3 tablets of acetylsalicylic acid;
- 1 tablespoon warm water;
- 2 drops of iodine solution.
The tablets need to be crushed and diluted with water, adding iodine. Using a stick, apply to each pimple and leave overnight, then wash off in the morning.
To prepare the lotion you will need:
- 100 ml of water (must be boiled first);
- 2 tbsp. spoons of sea salt;
- 5 drops of iodine.
Salt is diluted in warm water and iodine is added. Treat acne with this lotion using a cotton pad at least twice a day.
Smoothing out wrinkles
Iodine for wrinkles does not completely remove them, but, according to reviews, it is useful for the face: the drug will help against age spots and have a complex rejuvenating effect with other components.
REFERENCE . There is no need to use iodine solution alone on your face. Remember: it dries out the skin a lot.
To achieve a rejuvenating effect, improve and refresh your complexion, you can prepare a cream mask. The preparation procedure is simple. You will need:
- honey;
- petrolatum;
- iodine;
- Castor oil.
You only need a couple of drops of iodine solution. It is added to a bowl (preferably glass). Then - 1 tbsp. l. honey and castor oil and 1 tsp. Vaseline.
Before applying the composition to the skin, you need to stir each time. Keep on a cleansed face for up to two hours. Then wash it off. Store in a cool place for no longer than a month. This cream mask is also perfect for dry skin – it will soften and add elasticity.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of this treatment are:
- easy availability and low cost of the product;
- effective effect on acne with long-term use;
- disinfectant and antibacterial effect on the source of the problem;
- foci of inflammation disappear from the skin, leaving no traces.
Disadvantages of using iodine in the fight against acne:
- the likelihood of getting a burn if the rules are not followed;
- there is a risk of aggravating the situation, causing even greater inflammation.
It should also be taken into account that iodine is not suitable for everyone to treat acne.
Contraindications
External use of the solution is contraindicated in a number of cases:
- in case of an allergic reaction of the body;
- for diseases of the thyroid gland;
- for dry skin prone to flaking;
- during pregnancy;
- children under 5 years old.
Long-term treatment of acne with iodine can provoke a phenomenon called iodism. It is expressed in the appearance:
- unpleasant odor from the mouth;
- rhinitis;
- hives;
- Quincke's edema;
- increased salivation;
- thirst;
- sore throat;
- rapid fatigue.
It is also possible to worsen the problem of acne, since if consumed in excess, iodine comes out and provokes inflammation of the skin.
Does it help?
Does iodine help fight acne? There cannot be a definite answer here due to the fact that each organism is individual.
Some may use iodine alone and the acne will soon begin to disappear. But in most cases, an integrated approach to the problem is necessary. And iodine by itself does not effectively fight inflammation.
It is also necessary to adhere to proper nutrition, maintain hygiene and use additional anti-acne products.
For some, due to the characteristics of the body or existing problems, iodine may not only not help, but also harm the skin of the face even more.
Photo: Before and after
See what to do if you break out with acne. How to treat a purulent pimple on the lip? Find out further.
How to deal with a purulent pimple in a child?
The answer is here. We looked at the effect of iodine on acne, contraindications, as well as the dangers associated with the use of such treatment.
This is all very important to consider when deciding whether you will treat acne with iodine. After all, it can not only eliminate this problem, but in some cases, aggravate the situation.
Which iodine to choose?
Iodine comes in several forms. First of all, this is the well-known brown alcohol-based solution. Also on the shelves there are oral capsules and dietary supplements containing trace elements.
When choosing iodine for acne on the face, you need to choose a solution. The optimal option is 5%. It has the most gentle effect on the dermis and reduces the likelihood of burns on the face.
