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BETADINE® Health Answers

Expert answers to your most common health and hygiene questions — all in one place. Find trusted information on wound care, sore throat treatment, and feminine hygiene.

FEMININE CARE

9 Q&As
Regular soap, especially the scented soap and gels, can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in your intimate area.

"Flora” is the term used to describe the microorganisms that live on or in our bodies.Some flora actually has a positive effect on our health, while others can multiply to become harmful. In the vagina, the normal flora actually helps prevent infections. The normal flora that live in our vaginal area is called lactobacilli. It protects women against infections in the feminine intimate area and keeps the normal vaginal flora intact. 

Sometimes, the vaginal flora becomes unbalanced, making it more likely for you to feel discomfort in your intimate area.

BETADINE® Feminine Care products are specially formulated to maintain vaginal hygiene and help keep the normal vaginal flora intact.
 
To manage vaginal cleanliness and prevent issues, it’s important to maintain the normal vaginal flora. BETADINE® Feminine Care products helps soothe, care, protect your intimate area and keeping the natural balance.

The Tri-Care+TM formula with prebiotics in both BETADINETM Daily Feminine Wash liquid and foam provides daily protection from unwanted symptoms associated with pH imbalance in the vagina. An imbalance in vagina pH could lead to discomfort.

Meanwhile, povidone-iodine, the active ingredient in both BETADINE® Feminine Care PVPI products, is used to against a wide spectrum of microorganisms. The good news is: BETADINE® Feminine Care PVPI products do not target just one type of microorganism, but cleanse the bad germs and allow the normal vaginal flora (good bacteria) to return swiftly.

For daily use:

Both BETADINETM Feminine Wash foam and liquid are to be used every day to cleanse and support your vagina's natural pH balance for natural protection.

Directions:
Dispense BETADINETM Feminine Wash foam or liquid onto your moist hands. Apply on your intimate area, then rinse thoroughly.

For feminine issues & discomfort:

BETADINE® Feminine Wash (contains povidone-iodine 10% w/v), an antiseptic feminine wash helps to relieve external genital itching and irritation. Also, to cleanse and deodorize after menstruation.

BETADINE® Feminine Wash with Douching Apparatus (contains povidone-iodine 10% w/v) is a rinse-off formula for cleansing and treatment of vaginitis due to fungi, protozoa, bacteria or a combination of bacteria. For intravaginal use.

BETADINE® Vagina Gel (contains povidone-iodine 10% w/v) disinfects the vagina pre and post-operation, and also treats acute and chronic vaginal infections.
 
Directions:
Please refer to the each product's direction to use.

Do:
Identify the cause – suspect infection by looking out for vaginal symptoms such as discharge with abnormal colour or amount.
Check for foreign objects like tampons or condoms after intimate sessions.
Wear cotton undergarments to encourage airflow and allow your vaginal area to breathe.
 
Don’t:
Use fragrant body washes and soaps as it can disrupt the pH balance of your vagina.
A vaginal infection (your doctor may call it bacteria vaginitis, yeast vaginitis, trichomoniasis vaginitis) is an infection that results in minor inflammation and other symptoms in and around your vagina. It may cause redness, swelling, irritation or even pain, abnormal vaginal discharge and odour. 
Vaginal infections are very common. They occur when infectious bacteria, viruses or fungi grow in or around the vagina.

Bacterial infections are the most common cause. They happen when there are changes in the types and amounts of bacteria normally found in the vagina.

Fungal infections like candida albicans are probably the next most common cause. Fungal infections are often called vaginal yeast infections.

Other possible causes of vaginal irritation include:

Tight nylon underwear that doesn’t provide good ventilation, resulting in perspiration and lack of air circulation
The use of contraceptives
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of other infections
The use of vaginal deodorants
The lack of personal hygiene

Pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged to avoid using the BETADINE® PVPI Feminine Wash due to the potential risks to the fetus/baby.

Povidone-iodine, which is the active ingredient in BETADINE® Feminine Wash PVPI, is naturally golden brown in colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair.

 
BETADINE® Feminine Wash PVPI products can also be washed off even if they into contact with your clothes. If you accidentally get some on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, it can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
 
CAUTION: Immediately wipe up spills on plastic floors.

 

MOUTH & THROAT

21 Q&As
More than 85% of sore throats are caused by viruses. Bacteria are the next most common type of germs that cause sore throats.

These viruses and bacteria can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touch an object that has the virus on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs or sneezes) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).

A sore throat can be caused by different types of germs. Therefore, it is good to use a preparation that target different types and classes of germs.
The moment you feel an itch in your throat, it is always good to use an antiseptic gargle before the situation becomes more serious.

Viruses are tiny particles that rely on human or animal cells for their survival, so they cannot last very long outside the body. They cause illnesses by invading healthy cells and multiplying.

Bacteria are single cell organisms usually found in and on our bodies27. Some bacteria are harmless – and can even be good for us – and some cause infections27.

BETADINE® Gargle has scientific research on its germ killing activity against germs that can cause sore throats. BETADINE® Gargle kill germs. Individual response varies*.

If a sore throat persists or is particularly severe, you should see your doctor.
Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor in situations of bacteria related infections*.

* For further information, please check with your doctor or pharmacist.

BETADINE® Gargle kills germs that cause sore throats. Research has also shown that the povidone-iodine (PVPI) in BETADINE® Gargle has killing effect against germs through gargling. Individual response varies.

Since most sore throats are caused by germs, there are steps that you can take to prevent getting an infection:

  • Avoid sharing utensils with people who are sick.
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap.
  • Practice proper hand and throat hygiene by using an antiseptic hand wash and gargle, such as BETADINE® Gargle to kill germs.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands as germs can enter your body this way and make you sick.
  • Stay away from people who are ill, as germs can spread.

No, BETADINE® Gargle does not stain the teeth. The natural brown colour is due to povidone-iodine, the active ingredient of BETADINE® Gargle. The product retains the germ killing effect of iodine and it is generally non-staining.

BETADINE® preparations do not stain the skin, fingernails, hair, or natural fibre either. If you accidentally get BETADINE® on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, BETADINE® can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.

CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.

Small amount may be swallowed during gargling. If accidentally swallowed in large amounts, consult your local doctor or pharmacist immediately.

BETADINE® Gargle contains povidone-iodine that kills the germs that cause sore throats. Individual response condition varies*.

If you have thyroid disorders, are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use unless advised by healthcare professional.

Germs that cause sore throats can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touching something that has the germs on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).

When a loved one suffers from sore throat, flu or a cold, practicing proper throat and oral hygiene like gargling with BETADINE® helps. This lessens the chances of other family members getting it too by killing the germs before they have a chance to act.

The active ingredient in BETADINE®, povidone-iodine, is naturally a golden brown colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair, although you can see where it’s been applied on the skin.

If you accidentally get BETADINE® on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, BETADINE® can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
 
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.

BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE is an innovative treatment for early intervention and treatment of common cold and flu-like illness.
BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE works by an antiviral effect. It traps and eliminates viruses, thereby have effects on symptom relief. Our studies have looked at total symptoms and we have demonstrated that BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE will reduce the total symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, etc. when given as an early intervention for treatment of common cold and flu-like illness.
The recommendation is for up to 7 days.

The clinical trials have shown that BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE is well-tolerated, with no nasal irritation, smell or taste. One of the key things is that the iota-carrageenan in the spray is not absorbed by the body, as it works through physical means, not medicinal pathways. It is a medical device.
Carrageenan is commonly found in food products and is generally recognised as safe. You have to remember there are three different types of carrageenan: iota, kappa and lambda. The BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE spray only contains one type of carrageenan, which is the iota-carrageenan, and the iota-carrageenan is generally well tolerated.
You can continue to use the saline spray to remove crusting and wash the nose. But you should always use the BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE after the saline spray, otherwise you are going to wash out the Cold Defence and reduce its efficacy. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have.
The concentration of BETADINE™ Cold Defence for adult and paediatric is 1.2 mg/ml. Whilst the concentration is the same for both adults and kids, the spray mechanism is designed to deliver a smaller volume for kids noses.
The spray comes in two formulations: the adult spray and the kid spray. The adult spray is 1 spray into each nostril 3 times per day. And for the kid spray, which delivers a smaller dose, it is 2 to 3 sprays into each nostril 3 times per day.
The antiviral effect in vivo, in human beings, the duration has not been measured, but we do k now that when BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE is administered 3 times per days. It is effective in reducing severity of symptoms.

WOUND CARE

8 Q&As
Both antiseptic and disinfectant prevent the growth of disease-causing micro-organisms . 

Antiseptics are used as a treatment to cleanse cuts, scratches, burns, grazes or other minor injuries where the skin is broken, or as a preventive measure before piercing the skin (e.g. an injection). For this very reason, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®has a wide range of antiseptic formats for your different needs.
You should not use an antiseptic that kills all germs but causes a skin reaction or affect would healing. On the other hand, an antiseptic that is gentle on the skin on wounds but does not kill germs will not prevent infection and may even prolong the wound healing process.
The main reason for using antiseptics on wounds is to prevent and treat infections, making the healing process faster. Infections can cause delays and prevent healing, or even worsen the wound condition.
BETADINE® uses a povidone-iodine solution to quickly kill the germs that cause wound infections. BETADINE® antiseptic is relatively free of irritation or stinging, making it easier to use on your kids.  Individual response varies.
The active ingredient in BETADINE® , Povidone-Iodine, is naturally a golden brown color. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair, although you can see where it’s been applied on the skin.

If you accidentally get BETADINE® on natural fibers it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, BETADINE® can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.

CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.

BETADINE® antiseptics provide germ-killing action, good skin tolerability

BETADINE® Wound Care is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic. BETADINE® Wound Care range contains povidone-iodine that acts on germs that may cause wound infection14. These germs get killed before it has an opportunity to infect the wound. When you use it, you will know it always helps.

Water only removes physical debris lodged in flesh, unlike an antiseptic like BETADINE® that is used to kill surface germs and prevent infection13.

Additionally, the use of tap water to cleanse the wound would not be recommended in a country where a constant supply of potable drinking water is not available.32

What Is Vaginal Discharge?

Aug 9, 2023, 15:40 PM
Title : What Is Vaginal Discharge?
Published by :
Published date : May 18, 2022, 00:00 AM

Vaginal discharge is completely normal for women and isn't something you should usually worry about or try to prevent from occurring. Discharge is your body's way of trying to keep your vagina lubricated and clean.


Vaginal discharge is completely normal for women and isn't something you should usually worry about or try to prevent from occurring. Discharge is your body's way of trying to keep your vagina lubricated and clean.

However, you should monitor your discharge to make sure it doesn't change. There are some textures and colours to look out for that can suggest there's a problem in your intimate area.

In this article, we’ve run through what causes vaginal discharge, why it might smell and when you should consult your pharmacist or doctor.

What causes vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is created naturally by your body to carry dead cells and bacteria out of the vagina to ensure it stays healthy and free from infection.

Your discharge is completely normal if it is: 

  • Clear or white
  • Thick and sticky
  • Slippery and wet
  • Doesn’t have a strong or unpleasant smell

Discharge is different for every person. The amount you have can differ, as can the texture and smell. However, you should monitor your discharge to see if it changes. If it does change, this could be a sign of an infection. 

You should seek help about your discharge if it:

  • Is thick and white with a cottage cheese consistency
  • Is green, yellow or frothy
  • Isn’t there at all

Thick, white discharge

If your discharge is thick and white and has a consistency similar to cottage cheese, you may have Thrush. Thrush is a type of yeast infection that can be treated with antifungal medication. Other symptoms include itching and irritation around the vagina and soreness or stinging during sex, or when you go for a wee. 

Yellow or frothy discharge

If you’re experiencing frothy discharge that is yellow or green in colour, this could be a sign of Trichomoniasis. This is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by a parasite. The discharge may have a putrid, fishy odour too. If you think that you have any of the above symptoms and have recently had unprotected sex with a new sexual partner, then you should see your doctor.

No discharge

If you don’t have any discharge, you may have vaginal dryness. If you experience other symptoms, such as pain during sex, a frequent need to wee, urine infections or itchiness, then see your doctor about vaginal dryness and how you can treat it.

You should always see your doctor if your discharge changes colour, smell or texture or if you’re producing more discharge than normal.

What causes vaginal discharge to smell?

Healthy discharge shouldn’t smell at all. However, if your discharge does smell, your vagina could be trying to tell you that something is wrong down there.

If your discharge has a fishy smell, you may have Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). BV is a common cause of unusual discharge. It not only makes the discharge smell, but it can also turn it an off-white or grey colour with a thin and watery texture. It can usually be treated with antibiotic tablets or creams and gels, so speak to your doctor about your options.

Other reasons for foul smelling discharge can include Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia.

Smelly discharge doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything scary going on down there. It could also be a result of stress, excessive sweating or even the foods you eat.

How to prevent smelly discharge

If you’ve noticed that your discharge is smelling more strongly than normal, you should go to your doctor to rule out any of the infections that we’ve mentioned above. If you’ve been given the all clear, there may be some things you can do at home to reduce the smell and the amount of discharge.

For example, you should try to wear breathable material, such as cotton underwear. This will help you to stay dry throughout the day. You may also want to avoid wearing tight clothing, such as skinny jeans. Instead, you could try floaty skirt or loose-fitting cotton trousers.

When you’re in the shower, avoid using scented soaps. You might think these will help to mask the smell, but they could make the discharge worse. This is because the soap strips the naturally occurring fluid away from your intimate area, which will begin to produce more to make up for the fluid that has been lost. Instead, use a mildly fragranced, colourant-free feminine wash that will help to rebalance your natural pH.

Never try to mask the smell by applying deodorant to that area. The intimate area is very sensitive, and these products may make the situation worse.

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