Q: I have used decolorized iodine on my nails after reading about it in your column several years ago and I have never had such strong nails. Now I am told by several pharmacists that they cannot even order it any more because it is used in the production of meth and maybe other illegal drugs. So, my question is, will regular iodine work as well? Other than being colored (and assuming I can buy that item), I wonder if it would be a good substitute. I really don’t want to resort to my same thin, peeling nails I lived with for years.
A: Iodine has been used for more than a century as an over-the-counter first aid antiseptic product for the prevention of infection from minor scrapes, cuts and lesions. The product was originally red in color and clearly visible when topically applied to skin lesions. Now, however, the product is available in a decolorized form that cannot be seen, nor does it dye clothing rubbed against it as is the case with red iodine.
Iodine tincture for antiseptic use on humans contains 2% iodine. There is a 7% concentration for veterinary use. The primary ingredients in iodine tincture are ethyl alcohol and water. The product is available through countless pharmacies under their brand name or via the internet by logging on to sites including Humco.com. I also did some brief research and found that brand readily available through CVS, Amazon and several other facilities.
Decolorized iodine is ideal for treating toenail fungus, strengthening nails, as a disinfectant, to treat patchy hair loss, as a treatment for alopecia areata, and more. When it comes to nails that are thin, weakened and break off easily, directions are to apply a cotton swab to the tip of the nails that has been soaked with decolorized iodine. Leave the product on the nails over night for a week, during which time period you should also avoid using soapy water and products containing hydrogen peroxide.
Iodine crystals that are used legally for a variety of commercial and medical reasons are sometimes used to produce illegal products. The Federal government regulates the sale of iodine crystals which are, under ordinary circumstances, available for legitimate reasons. However, officials points out that it is illegal to import, export, purchase, or sell iodine crystals in this country if their purpose is for the production of methamphetamine. Purchases are monitored. With regard to at least Humco (I am unsure of other brands), they do sell iodine tincture for pharmacy use. They do not encourage the sale of or promote the product for illegal purchases, which is why the company has encouraged all stores to switch to decolorized iodine that cannot successfully be used for illegal manufacturing. I recommend you try your local CVS pharmacy or contact a manufacturer directly to purchase the decolorized product that should strengthen your nails but won’t get you in hot water with the FDA.
