Here's an interesting article I found. While not specific to Neosporin, and though it contains numerous typos, it is still appropriate to this discussion:

http://www.elmhurst.edu/~bio/mittermeyer/BIO216/control.html

Darn good questions. The iodine is basically the same. So the tabs would work. There is a time/dose function with iodine. Higher doeses mean less waiting time, which is nice to know if you're letting your water sit overnight before drinking, because you can use much less. I don't have any forulae or tables for that, though.

For wound irrigating purposes, you'd want a much higher concentration than you'd need for drinking. The idea is to not forcibly inject waterborne cooties into the open wound as well as to clean out the nasties already in there. Since the swabs (I'm talkin' the little gauze squares here, not the big Q-tip things) hold liquid iodine, I'd suppose they infuse the water faster than tabs.

BTW, personally, I've given up on filters for most trips, and I've had good success using resublimated iodine crystals, much like "Polar Pure." Cheaper than the little pills, and easier to adjust the dose. I don't run into many of us iodine users anymore.

Jeff

BTW, personally, I've given up on filters for most trips, and I've had good success using resublimated iodine crystals, much like "Polar Pure." Cheaper than the little pills, and easier to adjust the dose. I don't run into many of us iodine users anymore.

Jeff [/quote]

Very interesting. I've been thinking of doing the same thing. The only reason I've stayed with the filters is to remove chemicals, but away from civilization, this may not be as important.

Why not start another thread and give us more info on your reasons, etc.? I'd sure be interested.

Here is another link regarding non-antibiotic treatment of wounds. It's an easier read than the first.

http://www.worldwidewounds.com/2004/february/Cooper/Topical-Antimicrobial-Agents.html

Well, if the germs don't get you, cats and dogs will lick you to death. :P

If you can keep it sterile, your mix should be a good general purpose thing to have about. It should have a way decent job as an electrolyte booster.

Yeah. I suggest keeping the ingredients handy, and mix as needed, making it easier to keep clean/sterile.

Something every survival-oriented person should know, IMHO: Oral rehydration therapy.
http://rehydrate.org/solutions/index.html

Jeff

I spent the afternoon searching for articles on the efficacy of povidone iodine and hydrogen peroxide. It appears that these are not to be used for pressure ulcers and the like, but for cuts and such as we would see in our daily lives, about 50% said it's okay and 50% said it wasn't because it's citotoxic and has too much drying effect. As for flushing with saline, no article said anything but good things about this, so it appears to be the method of choice. This sure makes things easier for me, assuming I can find a good source for saline solution. I currently have about 11 Zerowet units on hand and this should provide me with the means to adequately flush wounds, though I think removing the syringe from the carton will make for a much smaller package.

It also appears that honey, particularly manuka honey from New Zealand or jelly bush honey from Australia, is actually being used to treat wounds in some clinical settings, including post-operative use. It has been proven to be effective against three types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA!

The other item worth noting was the repeated suggestion to use occlusive dressing, as they improved healing rates and prevented viral contamination. Those of you in the know can comment of any of this as you choose, as I am here to learn.

Very interesting. I've been thinking of doing the same thing. The only reason I've stayed with the filters is to remove chemicals, but away from civilization, this may not be as important.

Why not start another thread and give us more info on your reasons, etc.? I'd sure be interested. [/quote]

The reason is simple:
I'm getting older and looking to shed weight (by any means other than dieting!). 3/4 lb is not insignificant in long-disatnce backpacking.
I'm usually alone so there's no one to share group gear with.
I was carrying the iodine anyway as a back-up since I've had or seen too many filters just break or quit.
I hike in places like the high Sierras or Canadian Rockies, where the water is pretty good.
Iodine is also viricidal, and yes, it will kill cysts like cryptosporidium or giardia lamblia, too (eventually).

Jeff

Well, I cannot help but be the one who asks.

Blast-(heavy sigh!) what on Earth have you done now?

Stargazer