Hyiodine Questions & Answers
- What is Hyiodine?
Hyiodine is a viscous solution (gel) composed of hyaluronic acid, iodine and potassium iodide. Hyiodine creates an ideal moist environment and speeds up the wound healing process.
- What is Hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronan, is a term for hyaluronic acid or (sodium hyaluronate) which is an essential component of the natural extracellular matrix of the skin, joints, eye and many other tissues and organs, where growth, migration, differentiation and proliferation of cells takes place.
There are specifically high levels in the extracellular matrix and basal layer of the epidermis in “normal” conditions. Hyaluronic acid has unique regenerative properties and plays a key role in the tissue repair process.
- Why is Iodine added to Hyiodine?
The iodine complex preserves the hyaluronic acid from bacterial degradation and makes Hyiodine suitable for healing infected wounds.
- Is there a toxicological impact?
The concentration of iodine is designed to have no toxicological impact. The Iodine present in Hyiodine is a natural substance, similar to that found in seaweed, fish, fruit, etc.
- Can Hyiodine be used for patients with known iodine allergy?
The “iodine allergy” known in many patients is mostly related to PVP-iodine, not iodine.
Hyiodine has been in clinical use for 5 years and the product has also been used on patients known to have an allergy to iodine. No adverse effects or allergic reactions have been noted to date. Nevertheless the nurse or clinician should exercise caution and stop the treatment in case any problems do occur.
- How long can the Hyiodine bottle stay open?
Once open, Hyiodine should be used within 6 weeks. Once opened keep in a refrigerator at between 2-6oC. If possible, allow Hyiodine to reach room temperature prior to use.
- Is Hyiodine sterile once open?
Hyiodine is a self-sterile product.
An applicator head is provided which is inserted in the rubber stopper, this should remain in place and the cap sealed between uses. The applicator head is also equipped with an antimicrobial filter.
- For what wounds is Hyiodine indicated?
Hyiodine is suitable for a wide range of wounds including chronic wounds, infected wounds, trauma wounds, surgical wounds, dry wounds, highly exuding wounds, surface or deep cavity wounds, sloughy wounds, granulating or epithelialising wounds, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous or arterial ulcers, sinuses, fistulae etc.
- Is Hyiodine indicated for wounds with black necroses?
No. Hyiodine is not able to remove / debride black necrotic tissue.
- What phases of healing is Hyiodine recommended?
Hyiodine may be used during all phases of the healing process. Hyiodine improves conditions for surgical debridement, and considerably improves the processes of wound granulation and epithelialisation.
- Can Hyiodine reduce scarring?
Hyiodine (hyaluronic acid) may reduce the formation of scars during wound healing. For the most effective results Hyiodine should be used during the granulation and epithelialisation phases until complete healing.
- If you have a high exuding wound, would this flush Hyiodine away from the wound and inactivate it?
No, Hyiodine is absorbed or attached to the dressing enabling it to stay in contact with the wound.
- Can you use Hyiodine on dry wounds?
In treating very dry wounds Hyiodine can be combined with oily gauze or silicone dressing which prevents the hyaluronic acid from drying out.
- Does Hyiodine stick to wounds?
It is important to ensure that the carrier is well saturated by the gel.
Occasionally Hyiodine saturated gauze may stick to the wound edges. If this should occur moisten the dressing by applying a small amount of sterile saline to remove.
- How tightly should the wound be packed?
Hyiodine saturated dressings should not be forced into the wound. In small sinuses and fistulae, Hyiodine may be applied directly into the wound and covered with a secondary dressing rather than packing the wound.
- How do you treat leg ulcers?
For venous ulcers apply a small amount of Hyiodine directly into the wound first and then cover the wound with Hyiodine saturated gauze and secure.
- Can you use Hyiodine for skin grafts?
Hyiodine can be used to prepare the wound for skin grafts, to improve the condition for successful graft transplantation. Following graft application do not apply Hyiodine for at least 24 hours as the iodine may damage the new graft. Hyiodine may however be applied over the graft after 24 hours. Hyiodine will draws water and exudate from the wound improving graft adhesion.
- Can you use Hyiodine in infected wounds?
YES. Please follow recommendations:
Pseudomonas infection
In the presence of pseudomonas infection, systemic antibiotic treatment is advised. Hyiodine may be effective in treating pseudomonas contaminated wounds even where they are heavily colonised.
MRSA
In the presence of localised MRSA infection, apply Hyiodine dressings daily. The use of antibiotic treatment may not be necessary even in cases of heavy colonisation.
Osteomyelitis
In wounds complicated by osteomyelitis, appropriate antibiotics (penetrating to the bones) must be administered. Combined antibiotic treatment should be used until the osteomyelitis is resolved. Hyiodine dressings should be applied to the wound until healing is complete.
- How frequently should the dressing be changed?
After the first application change the dressing within 24 hours.
In infected wounds daily dressing changs are recommended.
Once wound inflammation has subsided dressing changes may be extended to every two to three days.
- What type of syringe is required to remove Hyiodine?
No needle needed, each box of Hyiodine is equipped with spike applicator. Any normal standard plastic syringe can be utilised with this applicator.
- What other dressings than non wovens/gauze may be utilised?
Alginates or foams may be utilsed instead of non/wovens and gauze dressings.
- Does the product need to be room temperature before using?
It is not necessary, however, when Hyiodine is at room temperature it is easier to withdraw from the bottle and work with.
- Are there any contraindications?
No adverse effects are known for local application of sodium hyaluronate.
Should not be used where there is a known iodine hypersensitivity.
- What precautions should be taken with Hyiodine?
Individuals suffering from thyroid problems should consult their physician prior to the use of Hyiodine. On application of Hyiodine, iodine present in the product may transform into iodide, which is necessary for the production of the thyroid hormone. In patients using other iodine preparations, it is necessary to consult the used dose with a physician
- What sizes of Hyiodine are available?
50g (volume 50ml). Hyiodine is multiple use product (up to 25 applications)
- How much does Hyiodine cost?
Hyiodine is avaiable on Drug Tariff for £35.00 per 50g bottle.
- How do the costs compare with other products?
Hyiodine may be used in place of a number of products, when comparing Hyiodine to Iodoflex 60% savings can be made.
| Wound Size | Recommended Quantity of Hyiodine | Price per one dressing |
|---|---|---|
| 5 x 5cm (25cm2) | 2ml | £1.40 |
| 7.5 x 7.5cm 56cm2) | 5ml | £3.50 |
| 10 x 10cm (100cm2) | 7-8 ml | £4.90 - £5.60 |
| 12 x 12cm (144cm2) | 11-12ml | £7.70 - £8.40 |
| 15 x 15cm (225cm2) | 18ml | £12.60 |