Investigation of irritant skin reaction by 10% povidone-iodine solution after surgery

We report 19 patients who developed extensive patchy or linear erythema on both sides of the buttocks, the back and the posterior areas of the thighs within a few days following operations or cardioangiography. The erythema was sometimes deeply infiltrative and was also accompanied by bullae and erosion. Patch tests of the patients were strongly positive for 10% povidone-iodine (PVP-I, Isodine(R)) solution; however, they were negative for 10% PVP-I solution with the same amount of 8% sodium thiosulfate and for 5% potassium iodide in petrolatum. In all control individuals, the only positive result was that of a patch test with 10% PVP-I solution within 8 h after application. We diagnosed our patients as having irritant contact dermatitis caused by 10% PVP-I solution during the procedure, which might have drained along the skin to the side of the buttocks or the back. We here indicate that prolonged contact with a large quantity of 10% PVP-I solution should be avoided to prevent this problem. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.