Carrying Out Iodine Skin Test

By Olive Pate


Iodine is an important building block that thyroid makes use of to produce the necessary hormones of metabolism. The processes of metabolism cannot take place without enough iodin in the body and the individual will suffer from hypothyroidism. The iodine skin test is one way of testing for deficiencies of iodine.

This test determines how quickly iodin is absorbed inside the body through skin. It is not one hundred percent reliable due to the fact that it does not give a broad view of the levels of iodin as a test conducted by the doctor could. It just provides information on how fast it gets absorbed. This should not be taken as an auxiliary to the clinically done tests to measure its levels. There is no available data to support its reliability in measuring the levels of iodin.

It is done using a solution of iodine of tincture. The normal color of the solution is yellow. A three by three inch patch of skin is painted with the solution. The preferred sites are the abdomen, inner forearm or the inner thigh. It should be allowed to dry completely before you touch anything as staining can happen. The spot is observed for the following 24 hours for changes in the color.

What is emphasized in the test is the duration taken for the entire patch to vanish. If it is still there twenty four hours later, then the results are just normal. However, if it takes a less time than that to disappear, then this means there is a deficiency in absorption. To note is that if the disappearance or lightening is significant in duration less than 18 hours, the deficiency can be moderate or severe and this may be a cause for supplementation of iodin.

There are elements which associate to cause the fading of the iodine color from the skin surface. The solution is reduced to a compound known as iodide by the surface of skin. This resulting compound is white this is why there is fading. The rate at which the iodin evaporates is affected by atmospheric pressure and the temperatures. For more accurate results, loading test is the better alternative.

Thyroid conditions may result to low iodin levels. The importance of the element is that is helps the gland to regulate heartbeats, maintain weight, stabilize cholesterol, balance hormones, enhance the growth of the muscles, keep regular menstrual cycles, provide energy and maintain positive perceptual attitude.

2/3 of the iodine in the body is stored in thyroid. One good way of boosting the levels is addition of seaweed to the diet. A tablespoon a day is enough. Fish and seafood are another alternative. The others include dairy products and eggs. Goitrogens are to be avoided because they interfere with iodine utilization. They include peanuts, kales, soy flour, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, kohlrabi and cabbage.

To revitalize the gland, selenium, copper, zinc, iodine and tyrosine are needed. Ensure you include foods high in this minerals are incorporated in the diet. For those with Hashimoto thyroiditis, iodin supplements should not be added because they may worsen the condition. You need to consult with your doctor before any steps are taken.




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