Iodine and iodophor are both topical disinfectants, but iodine and iodophor are also different. Iodine is composed mainly of iodine and potassium iodide, which darkens with concentration and is generally used for skin infections and disinfection. Iodophor is an indefinite combination of single iodine and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Iodophor is usually a purple-black liquid, but medical iodophor concentration is usually low and may appear light brown. Iodophor has a broad spectrum bactericidal action, killing bacterial colonies, fungi, protozoa and some viruses. Compared to these two drugs, iodophor is a complex, which is less irritating to the skin, and is usually used without deiodination. Iodine has free spots, so iodine cannot be used over a large area to prevent iodine poisoning due to the absorption of large amounts of iodine. Iodine is also irritating to the skin and should be deiodinated when used, and should not be used on broken skin to avoid skin irritation. In conclusion, iodine and iodophor are both topical disinfectants, but there are some differences, so it is best to follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist when using them.