The difference between the uses of iodophor and iodine is that iodophor has a wider range of disinfection than iodine.
Povidone Iodine is an amorphous complex formed by iodine solubilizer and surfactant, which is less irritating and can be used to disinfect the skin and can be used to disinfect mucous membranes. Iodine is an aqueous solution of iodine-potassium iodide dissolved in ethanol, which is more irritating and is not suitable for disinfection of mucous membranes, but can only be used for disinfection of skin areas.
Both povidone-iodine and iodine are topical medications, and oral administration is prohibited. The use of drugs may cause contact dermatitis, acne aggravation and other conditions, need to stop the drug in time to seek medical attention. When disinfecting, you must follow the doctor’s instructions to choose the appropriate disinfectant, not to be used arbitrarily, especially for the mucous membrane area can not use iodine disinfection.