I've been reading an article by a Dr. David Derry on iodine as it relates to thyroid and was intrigued by several paragraphs which discuss the use of topical iodine for skin lesions. He mentions the use of Lugol's Solution (where I am in NYC, I think one needs a prescription, but it's a 6% iodine tincture). All my drugstore sells OTC is the typical 2% iodine people use on cuts. I'm thinking of trying it anyway even though it's only 2%-- thoughts? Anyone else heard of this or tried it before? He mentions skin healing specifically in paragraphs 3-6.

http://thyroid.about.com/library/derry/bl2a.htm

Dear Annie:

Thanks for your patience, we'd like for Dr. Pickart himself to post back on this.

Best Wishes,
-Skin Bio Team

The iodine will act as an irritant and react with some of the scar tissue or lesion. This could help with lesion removal.

Very intersting article about therapeutic uses of iodine. Since the author seemed to imply that he had success using a Lugol-like topical iodine on his skin lesions and not the tincture of iodine or the providone iodine (the current lower iodine concentration non-irritating type), I would either do more research or find out more from the author for the exact topical iodine and application procedures he used for a good outcome with less complications. The article didn't cover adverse complications and more on that briefly below and see cited reference.

Lugol's Solution is a 5% iodine and 10% potassium iodide, and Iodine Topical Solution (USP) is a 2% iodine and 2.4% potassium iodide. "Aqueous Iodine Solution BP contains the same amount of free and combined iodine per ml (130 mg/mL) as does the USP Strong Iodine Solution. (Reynolds, 1993)" Souce: http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/pharm/iodine.htm#PartTitle:4.%20USES

It appears that one could get the Lugol's Solution or the iodine powder and make the solution yourself, but it may be easier just to buy the solution. The pharmacist will be able to direct you clearly once you discuss your intended use or your research. While searching online, I saw Lugol's (strong iodine) solutions and different iodine solutions for different uses marketed online both by individual retailers and Walgreens.

See detailed contraindications, toxicity, and case reports relating to dermal use of iodine at the above cited link. Adverse reactions in extensive use of topical iodine over large area include but not limited to induced burns, acne/skin erruptions, hyper- and hypothyroid, and acute poisoning.

If you are up for the experiment, please keep us posted of your experience.

If the age spot is on your face, what will you do with skin staining from iodine?

They make a clear version -- not all drugstores carry it -- you have to shop around.

I have been using Lujol's strong iodine for about 4 days so it's a little early for me to say how it's going to work. I believe 2 or 3 weeks need to elapse and I should have a better idea.

I am interested in topical iodine for inflammatory breast cancer (certainly a bit of a skin condition, tho not typical). I just got some Lugol's from a compounding pharmacy in the traditional formula with 5% iodine and 10% potassium iodide. I am intending to try using it in a topical formulation that includes coconut oil on my cancer. I would be interested in anyone's experience with topical iodine for skin conditions, but will let you know my experiences here.

My doctor said it appears that I have extreme iodine deficiency. A long list of medical problems over the past 25 years are all possible affects of inadequate iodine. It will be interesting to see what iodine supplementation does for my skin. I also suffer from boils and abscesses, some of them on the skin, and some deeper. I will try the iodine, topically and internally, in relation to these, too.

Happy to find this site.

Thea

How are things going with the iodine experiment? Please update for us