IODINE HELPS HOUSEWIFE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20520, 22 March 1930, Page 7 (Supplement)

IODINE HELPS HOUSEWIFE.

lodine is one of the chemical elements, and is obtained as a by-product in the purification of Chili saltpetre and also from seaweed. It occurs in shining plates of a metallic appearance, which give off a purple vapour -when heated. lodine, in very small amount, is an essential constituent of the human body. It is, however, concerning the virtues of iodine as an indispensable antiseptic for household use that I propose to write. A busy housewife of my acquaintance, says the writer, pricked her finger with a pin. It was such a trifling prick that she thought no more about it at the time. Nevertheless, the puncture was sufficient to admit the entry of a deadly micro-organism.

It was only the prompt action of a doctor, Who, by lancing, allowed the poison to escape, followed by the application of a correct dressing, that saved the woman's arm, and possibly her life. This might have been avoided had a little tincture of iodine been applied to the prick immediately it was made.

Tincture of iodine is what is known as an official preparation, whose precise composition is laid down in the British Pharmacopoeia. It consists of iodine dissolved in spirits of wine, with the addition of small quantities of distilled water and potassium iodide, and is made in two strengths, of which the weaker is the more suitable for household use.

If ever you prick, cut or scrape your skin, always apply a little tincture of iodine. For cuts, a mixture of this with compound tincture of benzoin is even better.