Tincture of iodine or iodine tincture is an antiseptic, it is also called weak iodine solution. Usually 2–7% elemental iodine, along with potassium iodide or sodium iodide, dissolved in a mixture of ethanol and water.
Antiseptics are used to kill the animate micro organisms that may be pathogenic or may cause disease.It is used in skin infection.
People began using tincture of iodine as a wound disinfectant in the late 1800s. Although not as popular today, it is still in use as an antiseptic to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Tincture of iodine is suitable for topical use only and can be irritating to your skin. You should not use tincture of iodine on open wounds or if you are allergic to seafood.