WOUND CARE
MOUTH & THROAT
FEMININE CARE
FEMININE CARE
9 Q&As"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.
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.
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.
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.
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&AsThese 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.
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.
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.
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.
WOUND CARE
8 Q&AsAntiseptics 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.
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.
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
Why Is Your Vagina Dry?
Your vagina needs to stay healthy and lubricated and it does this by producing a fluid to keep the area moist. But what if your body isn’t producing enough of this fluid? Vaginal dryness can be unpleasant so we’ve answered the questions you may have around what causes it and how to treat it.
What is vaginal dryness?
Oestrogen is the hormone that allows your body to create a fluid that lines the vagina to keep it lubricated. This fluid should be thick and elastic and help the vagina to clean itself and stay healthy. Women’s hormones have more of an effect on the body than you may realise, and a lack of oestrogen could be the reason you’re experiencing vaginal dryness. If you aren’t producing enough oestrogen, your body cannot create enough of this lubricating fluid, which can lead to dryness and irritation.
You may be experiencing vaginal dryness if you need to wee more than normal or frequently suffer from urinary tract infections. Sex can become painful, and you may find that your vagina is itchy and sore.
Why is my vagina dry?
You can get dryness if you’re going through or doing any of the following:
- Breastfeeding
- Menopause
- Taking contraceptive pills or antidepressants
- Have had a hysterectomy
- Have had chemotherapy
All of the above can have an impact on the production of oestrogen.
Vaginal dryness is a very common symptom of the menopause, as well as hot flushes, night sweats, decreased sex drive, and palpitations. When a woman is undergoing this change, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and decrease the amount of oestrogen that is being produced on a daily basis. The same thing also occurs when a woman has her womb removed (known as a hysterectomy). In some cases, the ovaries are removed too.
Some medications, such as antidepressants and contraceptive pills, can also reduce the amount of oestrogen your body produces. You should always read the leaflet that comes with your medication to see what the side effects are. You can ask your doctor about swapping tablets if you need to.
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, or have had the treatment recently, you may find that you’re experiencing some of the main symptoms of the menopause. This is because chemotherapy can affect the ovaries and alter their oestrogen production. You may even find that the menopause starts early following chemotherapy treatment.
Any woman can experience dryness, and it isn’t just caused by the reasons listed above. Stress or a common cold can also be a cause, or your body may not produce enough oestrogen naturally.
Can Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) cause dryness?
BV can be contracted during sex. However, it isn’t considered a sexually transmitted disease. It’s unlikely that you’ll experience vaginal dryness with BV, but other symptoms include smelly, watery discharge that’s an off-white colour or soreness and irritation.
How to prevent vaginal dryness
There are some things you may be able to do yourself to encourage the natural production of fluid in your vagina.
You could try using a vaginal moisturiser. These can usually be applied directly into the vagina to keep it moist. Never put anything inside you that isn’t meant for that purpose, such as petroleum jelly or hand moisturiser.
When you have a shower, avoid scented soaps down there. Instead, choose a feminine wash that doesn’t contain any soaps or colourants. These specially formulated washes will gently moisturise the area and will help to maintain your intimate area’s natural pH.
If you’ve tried either of these remedies but haven’t seen a significant change, or your symptoms get worse, you should book an appointment with a GP. If you’re going through the menopause or have had a hysterectomy, you may be offered hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This therapy can relieve the symptoms of menopause by replacing some hormones that are only being created by your body in low doses. It could help to relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness.
If the dryness is affecting your daily life, consult your doctor for advice on a suitable course of treatment.
You should see your doctor immediately if your symptoms get worse, the dryness is affecting your daily life, or you find unusual discharge or blood from your vagina.
