The use of betadine antiseptic paint in the treatment of Herpes simplex and Herpes Zoster

Abstract

Twenty-two patients with Herpes Simplex were treated with Betadine (povidone iodine) Antiseptic paint and seven with 5% idoxuridine in dimethyl sulphoxide, also one patient with bilateral lesions was treated with the two solutions, one on each side. The povidone iodine alcohol solution appeared to be at least as effective as the idoxuridine with minimal side-effects (some stinging in two patients). Good results were also obtained with this solution in twelve patients with Herpes Zoster.