The Use of Iodine in Wound Care

By Laurie Swezey

Iodine has long been in use as an antibacterial agent and a skin disinfectant. It was discovered in 1811, and gained widespread popularity during the American Civil War, where it was used liberally to treat the wounds of soldiers. In its original form, iodine caused pain and irritation when applied to wounds, it has been shown to impair the function of cells involved in wound healing, and it also had the unfortunate side effect of skin discoloration.

Posted in: Civil War Medical Instruments and Supplies,Civil War Pharmaceuticals