Possible use of Betadine in HIV-positive patients.

The results of Betadine treatment obtained in the course of a one-year period proved the usefulness of the bacteriostatic and bactericidal product as a disinfectant of the skin and mucosa in immuno-deficiency diseases, in our cases in AIDS (but supposedly in other similar diseases as well). In these diseases this new therapeutic means does supply a need. The solution was successfully used in patients in whom superficial decontamination is of high importance and whose cutaneous and mucosal infections had raised therapeutic problems for years. Side-effects were not observed. The product could be easily applied. If the germ count of the atrophying pathogen is not very high and the lesion is due supposedly to mixed infection, the product will be effective even in monotherapy. Similarly, in mild mycotic infections systemic therapy could be avoided. In cases of purulent alterations the solution is successfully applied as an adjuvant to antibacterial treatment and its continuous use prevents early recurrence. The long-term use of the product did not cause side-effects, irritation of the skin or the mucosa.