Patient's question:
Hello, doctor, I would like to ask, can iodophor that expired a month ago be used at home, or is it better to throw it away?Doctor's answer:
If povidone-iodine expires, don't use it, as it won't be effective for disinfection. Additionally, povidone-iodine should be replaced within one week after opening, otherwise, it also won't be effective for disinfection. These disinfectants all have a shelf life and should not be used beyond expiration. Don't use expired povidone-iodine, especially since your ear is already inflamed—using expired povidone-iodine may worsen the infection. Use a new povidone-iodine solution to disinfect your ear, and avoid using expired povidone-iodine. Additionally, try not to get your face wet when washing to prevent further infection.