Decolorized iodine, sometimes called "white" iodine, is an over-the-counter first aid antiseptic used to help heal burns, cuts and scrapes, and it can also used to strengthen broken or brittle nails. According to the Earth Clinic website, it is also used as a natural cure for cold or flu, anxiety, allergies, PMS, hypothyroidism, bladder infections, moles, dermatitis and fibrocystic breast disease. It might not be available at your local pharmacy, but it is available over the Internet.
Application
Decolorized Iodine is for external application only. There are potassium iodine pills on the market as well as salts and liquid forms. It can be applied to burned, cut, scraped or balding skin. It is commonly used to coat nails and make them stronger. Decolorized iodine has no potential to stain as regular iodine does.
Burns and Cuts
Decolorized iodine can serve as a topical agent and helps protect wounds and burns from open air and infection. Mild to severe burns need to be protected from the air because they are highly susceptible to bacteria. Exposure to air also causes burns to hurt severely because nerve endings under the skin are now exposed to open air.
Nails
Decolorized iodine is also rumored to treat broken and damaged nails. Allegedly the white iodine bonds with a nail's proteins. The nails should be coated with white iodine each morning and night. Split nails, nail spots and breaks are supposed to be cured by the iodine coating, making the nails stronger and not as vulnerable to splitting or breaking.
Alopecia Treatment
Alopecia is caused mostly by internal factors. The body responds to these problems by shedding hair from the eyebrows, body and head. One of the causes of alopecia is an iodine deficiency. Decolorized Iodine helps counteract this problem and, in some cases, helps to restore hair growth.
Conclusion
Decolorized iodine has been touted as curing many conditions, but it is mostly a folk remedy. It might bring help some people, but it won't work as well for others. The potential of white iodine as a tested and true remedy is uncertain right now.
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