This episode explains where the belief that iodine is "cytotoxic" came from, contrasting old in vitro lab studies with real-world wound biology. It outlines how povidone‑iodine (a slow‑release formulation) controls infection and biofilm, and why infection can be worse for healing than controlled iodine use.

It also compares iodine to isopropyl alcohol, showing alcohol is more damaging to open wounds, and gives practical takeaways for managing infected or critically colonized diabetic foot ulcers.