following the discovery of iodine by bernard courtois in 1811, it has been broadly used for the prevention and treatment of skin infections, as well as the treatment of wounds. iodine has been recognized as an effective broad-spectrum bactericide, and is also effective against yeasts, molds, fungi, viruses, and protozoans. drawbacks to its use in the form of aqueous solutions include irritation at the site of application, toxicity, and the staining of surrounding tissues. these deficiencies were overcome by the discovery and use of pvp-i, in which the iodine is carried in a complexed form and the concentration of free iodine is very low. the product thus serves as an iodophor.