As a gift from previous generations, we got a lot of unique recipes. One of the most famous is iodine mesh, whose medicinal properties are very widely known. Is it really effective or is it a well thought out placebo?
How the mesh became popular
French chemist Bernard Courtois discovered a substance called iodine in the 17th century. After a series of tests and experiments, the solution became widely used for medical purposes, as its healing property helped to reduce mortality after undergoing operations by 20%.
Then the beginning of the use of iodine mesh as a universal remedy for many diseases was laid. Over time, the procedure has acquired several changes and conditions, of course, for greater efficiency. What helps iodine mesh? How to use a well-known tool? This is our article.
One for All
Since childhood, many people remember a small dark vial, with which mothers and grandmothers hurried to treat abrasions and bruises. But if the "combat wounds" from falling off the bike they just circlediodine, then the bruises were “decorated” with a mysterious grid.
Many people have such a “ritual” in their memory, and they use an iodine mesh to relieve swelling or inflammation after a bruise. Many use this simple remedy to relieve pain and treat various ailments. But what does the iodine mesh actually help with? Few know about it. Since iodine is a toxic product, its solutions are used at a concentration of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. Accordingly, each is used for its intended purpose, of which the iodine grid has a huge number. Here are just a few:
- Iodine deficiency in the body.
- Disease and inflammation of the throat, tonsils, gums.
- Cough.
- Bruises, swelling from impact, dislocation.
- Swelling of the legs from long walking or standing work.
- Muscle pain, sprain.
- Arthritis, osteochondrosis, sciatica.
- Bumps from injections.
Expert Opinion
Doctors have no consensus on this issue. Some experts leave neutral reviews about the iodine grid. However, most doctors consider it effective.
Firstly, the solution kills germs. It has been clinically proven and has been working for centuries. Accordingly, the iodine mesh, being absorbed into the skin, kills microscopic pests.
Secondly, many people around the world have a lack of iodine in the body, which entails several unpleasant symptoms, such as fatigue, irritation, as well as a decrease in IQ - that is, mental abilities. The iodine grid will helpeliminate such a deficiency in the body.
Thirdly, due to its irritating and warming effect, the iodine cell increases blood flow to the “painted” area of the body, which contributes to its rapid healing.
Indications for use
There are no radical prohibitions on the use of iodine solution in medical practice, except for those cases when a person has an allergic reaction to the substance itself (iodine) and to the alcohol with which it is diluted. Therefore, absolutely anyone from three years old can use the remedy (the skin of young children is tender, and the thyroid gland is still developing, so the use of the solution in such cases is negotiated with a specialist). Let's make a reservation that in some countries, for example, in Greece, doctors categorically prohibit the use of iodine for any purpose and in quantities for people who have problems with the thyroid gland.
The most common indications for the use of iodine mesh:
- Bruises, abrasions, inflammation from bruises, muscle and joint injuries.
- Pain in the back, neck, lower back.
- Swelling of the legs, varicose veins, standing lifestyle.
- Rhinitis, sinusitis, otitis media, sore throat, cough.
In a word, many human diseases can be treated with such a remedy, so its presence in the home and car first-aid kit is a must.
Precautions
If a person knows how to draw a cell from an iodine solution from childhood, this does not mean that he does it correctly. How to make an iodine grid so that it is not only effective, butalso safe?
- You can not do it at a body temperature above 38 degrees. Iodine has a warming property, so when it is applied to the body, a person’s fever may increase.
- Before "drawing" the grid, you should do an allergy test. On the inner side of the thigh (where the skin is most sensitive) draw a non-greasy dot. If after 20-30 minutes there are no unpleasant sensations (itching, burning or rashes), then you can continue.
- Apply the solution to clean and dry skin with a clean cotton swab.
- Grid lines should be even. The optimal size of the squares is about 1-1.5 centimeters, since too small cells can merge into one spot and burn the skin, while too large ones will not give the desired effect.
- You can repeat the procedure 3-4 times a week so as not to injure the skin.
- It is strictly forbidden to draw an iodine grid in the area of the heart, open wounds, abrasions.
- You can't just smear iodine on your skin like paint on a wall. This can cause a burn, and the result will be negative.
- For children, the rules must be followed especially carefully and remember that it is not recommended to apply an iodine grid until the age of three.
- Never use iodine orally. Drink, drip on a piece of sugar and do not use it! Iodine looks like a simple liquid, but is a serious drug. Its application is possible only on the surface of the body. Even mucous areas of the skin (for example, in the oral cavity) can get burned when this substance is applied to them. Therefore, all of the above rules must be observed.
When coughing
There is no person who has not had a sore throat or other viral diseases, when a sore, stabbing or aching pain is felt in the throat.
To alleviate your plight and speed up recovery, you can make an iodine net when coughing. It is not difficult to do this. It is necessary to take a cotton swab, dip it into the product and draw cells on the chest just below the jugular fossa. If the cough is very intense, this procedure can be done on the back just above the shoulder blades. It is important that the mesh does not affect the region of the heart. Next, the patient's chest and back need to be wrapped in something warm at night. Repeat the procedure every 2 days until complete recovery, which will come quickly. After all, the iodine mesh when coughing helps to relieve inflammation, so the pain and cough subside after a few days.
For the treatment of legs
If someone suffers from varicose veins, then it will be useful for him to apply an iodine mesh on his legs. After such treatment, blood circulation will improve, which is always disturbed with varicose veins, inflammation and heaviness in the legs will go away. Iodine is necessary to "paint" problem areas. With regular use of the method, the result will be noticeable after 2-3 weeks. The veins will not be as bright and the stars will become less visible, and the skin will improve.
In the case of simple swelling of the feet (after a hard day's work or wearing shoes with heels), it is recommended to apply a mesh on the feet. She warms and relievesdiscomfort.
How to treat children?
Earlier in the article it was already mentioned that it is safer to do the iodine net for children after they reach the age of three. If there is a question about the use of an iodine grid for children under the age of three, then you should consult a doctor. The skin of babies is more delicate than that of adults, so it is better to use a solution of 2.5% and not to do the procedure more than three times a week.
A child can draw an iodine grid in a playful way. In this case, this process will not cause fear in them and will serve as a good psychological attitude towards recovery. Do it just before bed. If the mesh is applied to the soles, socks must be worn. It is strictly forbidden to apply a mesh on the face (for example, in the area of the bridge of the nose with a cold).
Additional information
Introducing some tips for using iodine solution. Even such a simple method of therapy as iodine mesh requires certain rules to be followed:
- All prescriptions and recommendations regarding treatment should be used only after consultation with your doctor. Treatment for some may result in recovery, while for others it can cause a number of unpleasant complications.
- Iodine mesh cannot completely replace medical treatment. "Painting" with iodine is a useful addition that will speed up the recovery process and supply the body with the missing amount of the element. You can not cancel the prescription prescribed by the doctor and self-medicate.
- Iodine is a dangerous substance. His,along with vinegar and alcohol, children manage to drink most often. Therefore, it is necessary to store the bottle in a place where babies cannot reach it.
- Open wounds cannot be lubricated with iodine, since alcohol causes additional skin injury. The agent must be applied around the wound. If the injury is closed, it is advisable to make an iodine mesh, and not completely lubricate the sore spot with iodine.
