COLD & FLU
WOUND CARE
FEMININE CARE
COLD & FLU
14 Q&AsThese viruses and bacteria can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touch an object that has the virus on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs or sneezes) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).
A sore throat can be caused by different types of germs. Therefore, it is good to use a preparation that target different types and classes of germs.
Viruses are tiny particles that rely on human or animal cells for their survival, so they cannot last very long outside the body. They cause illnesses by invading healthy cells and multiplying.
Bacteria are single cell organisms usually found in and on our bodies. Some bacteria are harmless – and can even be good for us – and some cause infections.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle has scientific research on its germ killing activity against germs that can cause sore throats1-3. With a 30-second gargle, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle kill germs2. Individual response varies*.
For the same reasons, other viral infections like flu should not be treated with antibiotics either6.
If a sore throat persists or is particularly severe, you should see your doctor.
Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor in situations of bacteria related infections*.
* For further information, please check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Since most sore throats are caused by germs5, there are steps that you can take to prevent getting an infection:
- Avoid sharing utensils with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap.
- Practice proper hand and throat hygiene by using an antiseptic hand wash and gargle, such as POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle to kill germs and prevent passing on germs within the family or community2.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands as germs can enter your body this way and make you sick.
- Stay away from people who are ill, as germs can spread.
No, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle does not stain the teeth. The natural brown colour is due to Povidone-Iodine, the active ingredient of POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle. The product retains the germ killing effect of iodine but unlike iodine, it is generally non-staining.3
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) preparations do not stain the skin, fingernails, hair, or natural fibre either.3 If you accidentally get POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
Germs that cause sore throats can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touching something that has the germs on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).
When a loved one suffers from sore throat, flu or a cold, practicing proper throat and oral hygiene like gargling with POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) helps. This lessens the chances of other family members getting it too by killing the germs before they have a chance to act.
The active ingredient in BETADINE®, povidone-iodine, is naturally a golden brown colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair, although you can see where it’s been applied on the skin3.
If you accidentally get POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
FEMININE CARE
9 Q&AsIdentify the cause – suspect infection by looking out for vaginal symptoms such as discharge with abnormal colour or amount.
Check for foreign objects like tampons or condoms after intimate sessions.
Wear cotton undergarments to encourage airflow and allow your vaginal area to breathe.
Don’t:
Use fragrant body washes and soaps as it can disrupt the pH balance of your vagina.
Bacterial infections are the most common cause, accounting for up to 50% of the cases. They happen when there are changes in the types and amounts of bacteria normally found in the vagina.
Fungal infections like candida albicans are probably the next most common cause. Fungal infections are often called vaginal yeast infections.
Other possible causes of vaginal irritation include:
Tight nylon underwear that doesn’t provide good ventilation, resulting in perspiration and lack of air circulation
The use of contraceptives
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of other infections
The use of vaginal deodorants
The lack of personal hygiene
Pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged to avoid using the POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche due to the potential risks to the fetus/baby. There is a possible chance that the fetus/baby may be at risk of reversible hypothyroidism. Even though hypothyroidism is reversible, it might still lead to future metabolism conditions.
Women who suffer from hypothyroidism should also avoid using the
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche.
Povidone-iodine, which is the active ingredient in POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche, is naturally golden brown in colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche products can also be washed off even if they get into contact with your clothes. If you accidentally get some on natural fibers, it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, it can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately wipe up spills on plastic floors.
WOUND CARE
8 Q&AsAntiseptics are used as a treatment to cleanse cuts, scratches, burns, grazes or other minor injuries where the skin is broken, or as a preventive measure before piercing the skin (e.g. an injection). For this very reason, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) has a wide range of antiseptic formats for your different needs.
If you accidentally get Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) on natural fibers it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
Additionally, the use of tap water to cleanse the wound would not be recommended in a country where a constant supply of potable drinking water is not available.
What Causes Vaginal Smell?
Have you ever stopped to take notice of your vagina’s smell, or how it can change from day to day? How your vagina smells could be a sign of what’s going on down there and indicate that there’s a problem. The vagina is home to billions of bacteria, but this bacteria can change on a daily basis. It is these small bacterial changes that could have an effect on your vagina’s odour.
We’ve looked at some common vaginal smells and the reasons for each one.
Why does my vagina smell...
...coppery or metallic
A slight coppery or metallic smell is nothing to worry about. You may notice that this smell becomes more prominent just before your period or just after it. This smell should go away. If it doesn’t, it could be a sign of vaginal bleeding, particularly if the metallic smell is accompanied by itching or discharge. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should book an appointment to see your doctor.
The other reason your vagina may have a coppery smell is semen. If your vagina has come into contact with semen recently, this can change its pH balance, therefore making it smell different to normal.
...like body odour
Your vagina could smell simply because of poor hygiene. Just like your armpits, your crotch area contains apocrine glands that allow you to sweat. Sweating in this area is quite normal and helps your body to regulate its temperature, just like you might sweat from your armpits. However, this sweating can begin to make the intimate area smell unclean, particularly if you don’t shower regularly. When you have a shower, you should use a feminine wash that doesn’t contain any soaps or colourants. This will gently clean the area and should help with the smell. To prevent excess sweating, you should wear light-fitting cotton underwear that allows your skin to breathe.
...sour
If your vagina has a slight sour smell, this is a sign of a healthy vagina. Some people compare it to the smell of fermented foods such as yoghurt and sourdough bread. That’s because these food products contain lactobacillus - the same type of good bacteria that is present in your vagina. This good bacteria is there to fight off the bad bacteria and prevent infections. This smell is nothing to worry about.
...like chemicals
A strong ammonia-like smell can be caused by a build-up of urine in your underwear. You should ensure that you wipe properly after going for a wee to ensure the area is clean. Urine that has a strong ammonia smell could also be a sign of dehydration, so remember to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
Some women report an ammonia smell early in pregnancy. There is no evidence as to why this happens, but it could be due to another pH change in the vagina. It could also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Why does my vagina smell of fish?
The most common cause of a fishy vagina is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). BV is a bacterial infection that is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms of BV can include:
- A strong fishy odour
- Thin discharge that’s an off-white or grey colour
- Itchiness
- Burning, particularly when you wee
If you think you might have BV, you should book an appointment with your doctor.
The other cause of fishy smelling discharge is trichomoniasis. It’s one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that is caused by a tiny parasite. Symptoms will normally develop within a month of contracting the infection. It may be treated with antibiotics. Consult your doctor for advice on a suitable course of treatment.
How to get rid of vaginal smell
You shouldn’t use strongly scented products to help get rid of the smell, such as body wash, soap or other heavily perfumed products. You should also avoid scented tampons and sanitary pads, as these can irritate the area. You shouldn’t ever feel the need to completely change the scent of your vagina - it’s natural for it to smell slightly. Instead, just look out for the changes or for the days when it might smell a bit off.
If you exercise a lot, you may want to clean the intimate area using a special feminine hygiene wash which helps maintain skin’s natural PH and is hypoallergenic. This will help to keep the area as hygienic as possible, particularly if you get more sweaty than other people.
If you are worried that your intimate area smells more than it should, it could be down to the foods you’re eating. If you think it’s particularly bad, and you’re having to change your underwear multiple times per day, then see your doctor.
You should consult with your doctor if an unusual odour is accompanied with any of the following symptoms:
- Itching or burning, especially when you wee
- Thick discharge or watery, grey discharge
- Vaginal bleeding that’s not caused by your period
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-swelling
https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-labia
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/swollen-vulva
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