Abstract
We experienced a case of chemical dermatitis following application of povidone-iodine preparation for surgery. A patient with no preoperative complications underwent abdominal surgery in the lithotomy position under general anesthesia. After the completion of surgical procedure, a red linear skin lesion was observed in the right inguinal region. The skin lesion developed to ulceration on the 9th postoperative day. Patch test with povidone-iodine gave a negative allergic response. On the 109th postoperative day, the patient brought a medical malpractice suit against the surgeon and the hospital. The surgeon paid damages to settle the dispute on the 601st day after the beginning of the suit. This case and the previous reports demonstrated that the prolonged exposure to wet povidone-iodine could be harmful and could cause chemical dermatitis. It is important to wipe off povidone-iodine with a solution of ethanol and sodium thiosulfate, and not to let excess povidone-iodine remain on the skin.
