If you’ve been prescribed Iodosorb®, this guide will help you understand what it is, why it’s used, and how to use it safely as part of your wound care plan.
What Is Iodosorb®?
Iodosorb® is a wound treatment that contains iodine held inside tiny starch beads. These beads slowly release iodine while soaking up wound fluid, debris, and bacteria. This helps clean the wound and reduce infection while supporting healing.
As Iodosorb works, it changes color from brown to yellow or grey, which tells you it’s time for a dressing change .
What Types of Wounds Is Iodosorb® Used For?
Iodosorb® is used for chronic, draining wounds, especially when there is concern about infection or buildup of dead tissue (slough). These may include:
- Venous leg ulcers
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Pressure injuries
- Sloughy or infected wounds
- Wounds at high risk for infection
It may also be used preventively in high-risk wounds when directed by a wound care nurse or clinician .
What Forms Does Iodosorb® Come In?
Iodosorb® is available in three forms:
- Ointment or paste – for small to moderate drainage
- Powder – for moderate to heavy drainage
Your nurse will choose the form best suited to your wound .
How Does Iodosorb® Help My Wound Heal?
Iodosorb® works by:
- Killing bacteria over several days
- Absorbing excess wound drainage
- Helping remove dead tissue (natural debridement)
- Disrupting wound biofilm
- Reducing odor and infection risk
This creates a cleaner wound environment that allows healing to progress.
How Is Iodosorb® Applied?
Your nurse will usually do this for you, but the steps include:
- Clean the wound with saline or an approved cleanser
- Apply Iodosorb® only to the wound bed (not healthy skin)
- About a 3 mm thick layer is used
- Cover with an appropriate dressing to keep the wound moist
For deeper wounds, Iodosorb® may be lightly packed using gauze—never tightly packed .
How Often Is the Dressing Changed?
- Usually every 2–3 days, depending on drainage
- Change sooner if the product turns yellow or grey
- If it remains brown, the dressing may be changed too early
Your nurse will guide the schedule based on your wound .
How Long Can I Use Iodosorb®?
- Treatment should not exceed 3 months
- No more than 50 g per dressing change or 150 g per week
- Your wound should show improvement within 2 weeks
If healing does not progress, your nurse will reassess the treatment plan .
Who Should NOT Use Iodosorb®?
Iodosorb® should not be used if you:
- Have an iodine allergy
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are under 18 years old
- Have dry, black (necrotic) wounds
- Have significant thyroid disease without medical supervision
Your healthcare provider should be informed if you have kidney disease or take lithium .
Common Sensations to Expect
- Mild stinging or discomfort during the first hour is common
- Temporary redness or swelling around the wound may occur
- These effects usually resolve after a few dressing changes
Tell your nurse if discomfort worsens or does not improve.
When to Call Your Nurse or Healthcare Provider
Contact your nurse if you notice:
- Increasing pain, redness, or swelling
- New or worsening drainage or odor
- Signs of infection (fever, spreading redness)
- No improvement after 2 weeks
- Skin irritation that does not improve
Prompt communication helps prevent complications.
