Here are some reasons why it´s discouraged for first aid use:<br>- some people develop allergic reactions to iodine<br>- antiseptics kill cells, they don´t discriminate between yours and bacteria (in fact it may even kill the cells you need to fight the infection)<br>- using alcohol or iodine will cause pain<br>- if it´s a minor wound your body can handle it, if it´s a major wound you should see a doctor<br>- when you see a doctor, the use of colored antiseptics makes it harder for him as the wound is colored<br>- using antiseptics can cause the wound to swell, so stiching might be difficult or impossible<br><br>When you are worried because of the germs on your hands, you might use rubber gloves. As a bonus your hands are clean when you take the gloves off.

Hey, have ya'all ever considered using one of those hard, hinged "eye-glass" cases you find in the supermarket for a PSK? I was walking through the local market the other day when one caught my eye. I just thought that it would sit in my coat pocket better that the Altoids tin because of its rounded corners, plus it seems a bit larger. I don't know how tough they are, but a few 'ranger bands' should help hold it together. Mine even comes in a pretty 'faux alligator' skin to remind me how tough I am! :-)