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Old-Fashioned Iodine Foiled Fungus

Q. For over 20 years I was plagued with dry flaky skin on the side of my nose and behind my earlobes. I went to several doctors, including dermatologists. We tried various salves to no avail. After a while this added up to big bucks.

I wondered if this ailment was caused by a fungus. As a chemist, I know that iodine is very, very effective on fungus and many bacteria. I applied tincture of iodine with my fingers (every two days for a week) and got cured within a week.

It’s been two months and the spots have not returned. The cost of treatment was less than $2. I previously had success treating toenail fungus with iodine. Since I am a man, dark toenails (stained by iodine) did not bother me.

I have suggested iodine treatment to many friends and the responses have been enthusiastic. Many have solved their nail problems after other pricey treatments were unsuccessful.
A. Iodine was discovered about 200 years ago. As a tincture, it has broad antiseptic activity. You are correct that it kills fungus.

Tincture of iodine is dark brown and it can stain, so not everyone will want to use it on the face. Other readers have also reported success applying tincture of iodine to fungus-infected nails.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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