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