Final answer:
For patients with an iodine allergy, chlorhexidine is the recommended alternative for surgical skin preparation. It avoids allergic reactions and offers effective antimicrobial properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient has an iodine allergy, the appropriate antiseptic to use for skin prep is chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine acts as an effective antiseptic and is considered a suitable alternative for individuals with iodine allergies or sensitivity to povidone-iodine preparations, such as Betadine. Alcohol can also be used, but chlorhexidine possesses both rapid action and a long duration of residual action, making it a preferred choice for preoperative skin preparation.
Betadine, a common brand of povidone-iodine, is not suitable for patients with iodine allergies because it contains iodine complexed with an organic molecule, which can trigger allergic reactions. As Betadine is commonly used as a topical antiseptic before surgery, it is important for healthcare professionals to ascertain patient allergies to avoid postoperative complications linked to hypersensitivity reactions.