If you or a loved one has a chronic wound—such as a venous leg ulcer, diabetic foot ulcer, or pressure ulcer—you know how frustrating slow healing can be. One evidence-based treatment that can help these wounds improve more quickly is cadexomer iodine dressing.

This dressing has been studied for many years, and strong research shows that it can significantly reduce infection, absorb excess fluid, and help wounds heal.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Cadexomer Iodine Dressing?

Cadexomer iodine is a special type of wound dressing made of tiny starch beads that gradually release iodine, an antimicrobial agent. As the beads absorb wound fluid, they:

• Pull out excess exudate
• Reduce infection-causing bacteria
• Break down slough and biofilm
• Create a cleaner wound bed for healing

This slow, controlled release makes cadexomer iodine safer and more effective than older iodine products.

What Does the Research Say?

Cadexomer iodine is supported by high-quality evidence.

✔ Wounds heal twice as often compared to standard dressings

A major systematic review found that wounds treated with cadexomer iodine were more than twice as likely to heal than those treated with standard care alone.

✔ Faster reduction in wound size

Studies show significant wound area reduction within 8 weeks.

✔ Fewer signs of infection

Cadexomer iodine helps lower:

• Bacteria
• Slough
• Excess exudate
• Odor

Randomized trials have also shown that cadexomer iodine is more cost-effective than hydrocolloid or paraffin gauze dressings, especially for venous leg ulcers.

When Is Cadexomer Iodine Used?

This dressing is ideal for chronic, wet, or infected-risk wounds, including:

• Venous leg ulcers
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Pressure injuries/pressure ulcers
• Wounds with heavy drainage
• Wounds with high bacterial load or suspected biofilm

If your wound has slough, excess moisture, or signs of stubborn bacteria, cadexomer iodine may help prepare the wound bed and speed healing.

Who Should Not Use Cadexomer Iodine?

Some people should avoid this dressing due to the iodine content.

Do NOT use if you have:

• A known iodine allergy
• Thyroid conditions
  • Such as Hashimoto’s or nodular goiter
• Severe kidney (renal) impairment
• Extensive burns
• Dry wounds (the dressing requires moisture to work)

Not recommended for:

• Pregnant people
• Breastfeeding women
• Newborns or infants

These restrictions are due to the potential for iodine absorption into the bloodstream.

How Long Can You Use It?

Cadexomer iodine is typically used for up to 8–12 weeks.

✔ Dressing changes are usually every 2–3 days, or sooner if the dressing becomes saturated.

Most improvement is seen within the first 6–8 weeks.

Important:

Your wound care clinician should reassess your progress regularly and stop treatment if:

• The wound is not improving
• Irritation or unusual symptoms develop
• The wound becomes too dry

Is Cadexomer Iodine Right for You?

This dressing is often recommended if:

• Your wound has a lot of drainage
• Healing has stalled
• There are signs of high bioburden (bacteria)
• Other dressings haven’t worked well
• You are not a candidate for stronger treatments like debridement or advanced therapies

Because it reduces infection risk and helps clear the wound bed, cadexomer iodine is a trusted option in modern wound care.

In Summary

Cadexomer iodine dressings are:

✔ Effective for chronic, wet, slow-healing wounds

✔ Proven to reduce bacteria, slough, and exudate

✔ Supported by high-quality clinical research

✔ Best used for 8–12 weeks with regular monitoring

✔ Not safe for people with iodine allergy, thyroid disease, severe kidney problems, pregnancy, or newborns

When used appropriately under the guidance of a wound care professional, cadexomer iodine is a powerful tool to help chronic wounds progress toward healing.