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 Itchy?
Itchiness anywhere on your body can be irritating and painful, but in an area as sensitive as the vagina, the itchiness may feel much worse and can be extremely uncomfortable. If you’re experiencing vaginal itching, it could be down to a simple skin irritation or a sign of an underlying problem, such as thrush, bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a sexually transmitted disease.
In this article, we talk you through the many causes of vaginal itching and how to treat it. If the itching persists, you should see your GP as soon as possible for advice.
Why is my vagina itchy?
There are numerous reasons you may be experiencing vaginal itching and it can be difficult to know when or why it started. Below, we’ve listed the main causes of excessive itching down there.
What causes vaginal itching?
Yeast infection
A yeast infection, such as thrush, can cause severe itching and irritation in both men and women. Other symptoms include a thick, white vaginal discharge and a stinging sensation during intercourse or when you wee. Thrush can usually be treated easily and quickly. We explain how thrush can be treated further down.
Menopause
During the menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, a woman’s oestrogen levels drop. It is this hormonal decrease that can cause the vaginal walls to become thin and dry. This leads to irritation and excessive itchiness. Not all women will experience itchiness as a result of the menopause, however, many do. Fortunately, there are creams that you can purchase to reduce the symptoms.
Chemicals or substances
The most common cause of vaginal itching is irritating chemicals or substances coming into contact with the skin. The intimate area is very sensitive and certain chemicals or products, such as scented toilet paper, condoms, washing powder or some soaps, can cause itching.
You should treat the area gently, washing it with a soap-free feminine wash that’s designed especially for intimate areas. Avoid over washing your intimate area as this can dry it out, causing further itching.
Your underwear can also have an impact on how itchy the area is. We’ll discuss the kind of material you should wear further down.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Vaginal itching could be a sign of an STD. Chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis can all cause irritation of the vagina or the vulva (outer vaginal lips). You should see your GP as soon as possible if you think you might have an STD.
Is vaginal itching normal?
Vaginal itching is quite common and can often just be a result of skin irritation. Itchiness might go away on its own, however, if it persists, you should book an appointment with your GP.
You should have a think about any products you may have used recently that could be causing the irritation. For example, you may have been wearing tight clothing the day before, such as a pair of skinny jeans or cycling shorts.
How to get rid of vaginal itching
The type of treatment you need usually depends on the reason for the itching.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush won’t go away by themselves. BV can be treated with antibiotic tablets, creams or gels, so speak with your doctor about your options. It’s quite common for BV to return within three months of your first treatment. If it does return, consult your doctor for advice.
Thrush is treated with an antifungal medicine. This could be in the form of a tablet you take orally, or it could be in the form of a tablet, known as a pessary, that you put inside your vagina. It should clear up after one week. If the thrush returns, you should speak to your GP about further treatment. Thrush is contagious, so you should check that any sexual partners haven’t contracted it as well.
If you’ve been to the doctor and determined that you don’t have BV or a yeast infection, then maybe consider changing your washing powder or getting new underwear that’s made from a more breathable material.
How to stop vaginal itching from coming back
If you’ve experienced vaginal itching, then you will understand how irritating and painful it can be. There are a few precautions you can take to prevent it from coming back in the future.
You should avoid using scented products, such as sanitary pads, tampons and toilet paper. These can all cause the natural bacteria to become unbalanced and make your intimate area irritated. Try swapping to unscented products. Standard soaps and body wash can also have the same effect, so only use a wash that is designed specifically for that area and preferably soap, paraben and colourant free.
Where possible, you should try to wear cotton underwear instead of polyester or other man-made materials that don’t allow the skin to breathe.
Whenever you go to the toilet, you must wipe from front to back. This will prevent unwanted bacteria from spreading to your vagina and potentially causing an infection.
Finally, always use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. If you and your partner have been together for a long time and know that neither of you has an STD, you could choose to use other forms of contraception if condoms could be the cause of the itchiness.
If the itching persists, you should see your doctor for advice and treatment.
