How To Remove Iodine Stains From Skin: 7 Steps (with Pictures)

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE About UsRandom ArticleQuizzesRequest a New Article Community DashboardTrendingForums Computers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Finance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship QuizzesCars & Other Vehicles Food and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and FitnessComputers and Electronics HealthPets and AnimalsTravelEducation & Communication Hobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork WorldFamily Life Holidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Personal Care and Style
• Personal Hygiene
• Cleaning Skin
• Removing Skin Stains

How to Remove Iodine Stains from Skin Download Article Co-authored by Arvind Madan

Last Updated: January 5, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Applying Rubbing Alcohol
|
• Following up with Your Doctor
|
• Video
|
• Expert Interview

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Arvind Madan. Arvind Madan is an Internal Medicine Doctor based in Orlando, Florida. With over 23 years of experience, Arvind works as a Physician at Central FL Kidney Specialists and is the Principal Investigator of the research division there. Arvind is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, with a sub-specialty in Nephrology. He is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine. He is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM). He received his MD from Maulana Azad Medical College at Delhi University and completed his residency at Nassau County Medical Center. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 191,620 times.

Iodine is often used on cuts and scrapes to prevent infection.[1] Your doctor may also use iodine on your skin during surgery. While iodine can be an effective treatment, it can leave unsightly red or brown stains on your skin. These stains usually fade away on their own after one to two months, but you can get rid of them fast by applying rubbing alcohol to the area. If you have an adverse reaction to iodine, make sure you see your doctor for guidance and treatment.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Applying Rubbing Alcohol

Download Article

1. 1 Get a cotton ball or pad. Look for thin, absorbent cotton balls or pads at your local drugstore.[2]
   • Do not use tissue or toilet paper, as it is not absorbent enough. You risk getting iodine stains on your fingers or hands when you try to remove it from your skin.
2. 2 Dab the cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol. Look for rubbing alcohol that is made with at least 70-90% isopropyl alcohol. Pour 1⁄4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) rubbing alcohol onto the cotton ball or pad.[3]
   • You can get rubbing alcohol at your local drugstore or online.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Apply the rubbing alcohol in small, circular motions. If you are removing iodine stains next to a healing cut or wound, be careful not to rub the pad over this area. Do not scrub at your skin. Simply spread the rubbing alcohol lightly over the area to remove the stains.[4]
4. 4 Rinse your skin with warm water. Once you have removed the iodine stains, place the area under warm running water to rinse it off.
   • Apply the rubbing alcohol as needed to your skin to remove the iodine stains.[5]
Advertisement

Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Following up with Your Doctor

Download Article

1. 1 Speak to your doctor if the area burns or itches. If you notice your skin feels hot or irritated when you apply the iodine to a cut or scrape, stop using it and go see your doctor. This may be a sign your skin is reacting negatively to the iodine and you need a different course of treatment.[6]
   • When you first apply the iodine to a cut or scrape, it may sting slightly as the medicine is absorbed into the wound. The stinging sensation should go away after a minute or two.
2. 2 Go to the doctor if you develop a rash. If you notice you have a rash or bumps on the area that were not there before you applied the iodine to a cut or scrape, see your doctor right away. This may be a sign that you are having an allergic reaction or other skin issue due to the iodine.[7]
3. 3 Talk to your doctor if your cut or scrape does not heal within one to two weeks. Iodine is an effective treatment for cuts and scrapes, healing them within seven to ten days. If you do not see any improvements after ten days of applying the iodine, go see your doctor for alternative treatment.
   • Iodine is not recommended for the treatment of serious burns, animal bites, or deep puncture wounds. See your doctor for proper treatment if you have any of these issues.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything.

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

How toRemove an Iodine Stain How toRemove a Mole with Iodine How toClean a Wound on Your Face How toClean an Infected Wound How toRemove Bandage Adhesive from Skin How toCare for a Wound After Stitches Are Removed How toRemove a Liquid Bandage How to Heal Stitch Marks at Home How toRemove Stitches How toRemove a Band Aid Painlessly How toRemove Steri Strips How toDisinfect a Wound How toRemove Surgical Staples How toHeal Scratch Marks on Your Face Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about removing skin stains, check out our in-depth interview with Arvind Madan.

References

1. ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/iodine
2. ↑ Arvind Madan. Nephrologist. Expert Interview
3. ↑ Arvind Madan. Nephrologist. Expert Interview
4. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/povidone-iodine-topical.html
5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/iodine-topical-route/description/drg-20064375
6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20355-povidone-iodine-topical-formulations
7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507853/

About This Article

Co-authored by: Arvind Madan Internal Medicine Doctor This article was co-authored by Arvind Madan. Arvind Madan is an Internal Medicine Doctor based in Orlando, Florida. With over 23 years of experience, Arvind works as a Physician at Central FL Kidney Specialists and is the Principal Investigator of the research division there. Arvind is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, with a sub-specialty in Nephrology. He is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine. He is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM). He received his MD from Maulana Azad Medical College at Delhi University and completed his residency at Nassau County Medical Center. This article has been viewed 191,620 times. 5 votes - 60% Co-authors: 6 Updated: January 5, 2026 Views: 191,620 Categories: Removing Skin Stains

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Read More...

Article SummaryX

Iodine stains on your skin usually fade on their own after a month or 2, but you can speed up the process by applying rubbing alcohol. First, dab a cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol. Then, gently rub the cotton ball over your skin in small, circular motions. Make sure you don’t go over any wounds or areas that are still healing since you could make them worse. Once you’ve removed the iodine stains, run warm water over your skin to rinse off the alcohol. To learn when to see a doctor for treatment after surgery, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Portuguese German Italian Indonesian Dutch Russian French Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 191,620 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Arvind Madan Internal Medicine Doctor 5 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 6 Updated: January 5, 2026 Views: 191,620

Quizzes & Games

What Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizSkin Picking Disorder TestTake QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizOCD TestTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toRemove an Iodine StainHow toRemove a Mole with IodineHow toClean a Wound on Your FaceHow toClean an Infected Wound

Featured Articles

How toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Am I Chopped QuizCrush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?What Does “Eat Zucchini” From KATSEYE Mean?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizAm I a Pick Me Girl QuizWhat Is the I Found a Leaf Relationship Test on TikTok?

Featured Articles

How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

How toIron PantsHow toCut LimesHow to Make Your Own Comforting Cinnamon TeaHow toDraw 3D ShapesHow toMake a Sugar ScrubHow to Wear a Scarf: 19 Different Styles

Trending Articles

Rank My Attractiveness QuizChildhood Trauma TestAm I Neurotypical or Neurodivergent QuizGuess My Deepest Secret QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizGuess My Age Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizDepression Test for TeensTake Quiz

• Categories
• Personal Care and Style
• Personal Hygiene
• Cleaning Skin
• Removing Skin Stains

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --593