ABSTRACT

Potassium iodide (KI) is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KI. Potassium iodide can be conveniently prepared as a saturated solution. Potassium iodide was first used as a medicament for the therapy of goiter, which had been treated with seaweed ash. Thereafter, potassium iodide has been tried for a variety of diseases. In dermatology, it is now being used for the treatment of cutaneous deep mycosis and erythematous dermatoses including erythema nodosum, subacute nodular migratory panniculitis, erythema induratum, Sweet’s syndrome, and erythema multiforme. It has also been used in cases of recalcitrant pyoderma gangrenosum and Wegener granulomatosis. Potassium iodide is also not recommended for those who have had an allergic reaction to iodine, and people with dermatitis herpetiformis and hypocomplementemic vasculitis, conditions that are linked to a risk of iodine sensitivity. Chronic overexposure can have adverse effects on the thyroid. Potassium iodide is a possible teratogen.