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

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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 References

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

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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 190,411 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

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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.
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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]
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Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Following up with Your Doctor

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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.
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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 190,411 times. 4 votes - 50% Co-authors: 6 Updated: January 5, 2026 Views: 190,411 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.

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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

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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 4 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 6 Updated: January 5, 2026 Views: 190,411

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