What element is used to paint the skin to prevent infection from cuts and scrathches?

Answer 1

A solution of iodine is used to clean the skin of any unwanted biota. You'll see this in use as a surgeon scrubs up for an operation, and the patient's skin in the general area of the operation will similarly be sterilized. It is also available in small quantities for domestic use.

Answer 2

Tincture of iodine and solutions of Mercury salts have been used for this, but are not really a good thing to use for first aid purposes as they all burn healthy tissues and ultimately slow healing. For first aid purposes of cuts and scratches cleaning with plain soap and water is best.

In preparation for surgery and certain cases where it is necessary to sterilize a large area of unbroken skin, a solution called betadine that contains iodine is used. But this should NEVER be used on broken skin (e.g. cuts and scrapes).

Answer 3

iodine

Answer 4

Iodine