Most folks under 30 have never heard of
using the relatively painless Mercurochrome in lieu of that nasty
stinging Iodine. It stained your flesh pinkish-red. The FDA put
limitations on the sale of Mercurochrome in 1998 and stated that it
was no longer considered 'Generally Recognized As Safe'
over-the-counter product. The main active ingredient in
Mercurochrome is mercury.
Speaking of Iodine, it burned like fire when applied to an open
wound, because it had an alcohol base. Many doctors today use a
water-based iodine as an antiseptic, as it has one of the broadest
germ-killing spectrums. This old school remedy is rarely found in
home first aid kits anymore. Alas, change comes too late for
some of us.