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 Is Vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal discharge is completely normal for women and isn't something you should usually worry about or try to prevent from occurring. Discharge is your body's way of trying to keep your vagina lubricated and clean.
Vaginal discharge is completely normal for women and isn't something you should usually worry about or try to prevent from occurring. Discharge is your body's way of trying to keep your vagina lubricated and clean.
However, you should monitor your discharge to make sure it doesn't change. There are some textures and colours to look out for that can suggest there's a problem in your intimate area.
In this article, we’ve run through what causes vaginal discharge, why it might smell and when you should consult your pharmacist or doctor.
What causes vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is created naturally by your body to carry dead cells and bacteria out of the vagina to ensure it stays healthy and free from infection.
Your discharge is completely normal if it is:
- Clear or white
- Thick and sticky
- Slippery and wet
- Doesn’t have a strong or unpleasant smell
Discharge is different for every person. The amount you have can differ, as can the texture and smell. However, you should monitor your discharge to see if it changes. If it does change, this could be a sign of an infection.
You should seek help about your discharge if it:
- Is thick and white with a cottage cheese consistency
- Is green, yellow or frothy
- Isn’t there at all
Thick, white discharge
If your discharge is thick and white and has a consistency similar to cottage cheese, you may have Thrush. Thrush is a type of yeast infection that can be treated with antifungal medication. Other symptoms include itching and irritation around the vagina and soreness or stinging during sex, or when you go for a wee.
Yellow or frothy discharge
If you’re experiencing frothy discharge that is yellow or green in colour, this could be a sign of Trichomoniasis. This is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by a parasite. The discharge may have a putrid, fishy odour too. If you think that you have any of the above symptoms and have recently had unprotected sex with a new sexual partner, then you should see your doctor.
No discharge
If you don’t have any discharge, you may have vaginal dryness. If you experience other symptoms, such as pain during sex, a frequent need to wee, urine infections or itchiness, then see your doctor about vaginal dryness and how you can treat it.
You should always see your doctor if your discharge changes colour, smell or texture or if you’re producing more discharge than normal.
What causes vaginal discharge to smell?
Healthy discharge shouldn’t smell at all. However, if your discharge does smell, your vagina could be trying to tell you that something is wrong down there.
If your discharge has a fishy smell, you may have Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). BV is a common cause of unusual discharge. It not only makes the discharge smell, but it can also turn it an off-white or grey colour with a thin and watery texture. It can usually be treated with antibiotic tablets or creams and gels, so speak to your doctor about your options.
Other reasons for foul smelling discharge can include Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia.
Smelly discharge doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything scary going on down there. It could also be a result of stress, excessive sweating or even the foods you eat.
How to prevent smelly discharge
If you’ve noticed that your discharge is smelling more strongly than normal, you should go to your doctor to rule out any of the infections that we’ve mentioned above. If you’ve been given the all clear, there may be some things you can do at home to reduce the smell and the amount of discharge.
For example, you should try to wear breathable material, such as cotton underwear. This will help you to stay dry throughout the day. You may also want to avoid wearing tight clothing, such as skinny jeans. Instead, you could try floaty skirt or loose-fitting cotton trousers.
When you’re in the shower, avoid using scented soaps. You might think these will help to mask the smell, but they could make the discharge worse. This is because the soap strips the naturally occurring fluid away from your intimate area, which will begin to produce more to make up for the fluid that has been lost. Instead, use a mildly fragranced, colourant-free feminine wash that will help to rebalance your natural pH.
Never try to mask the smell by applying deodorant to that area. The intimate area is very sensitive, and these products may make the situation worse.
Sources:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-discharge/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trichomoniasis/
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginal-discharge-whats-abnormal#1
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