The answer depends on the kind of wound, and the advice isn’t worded quite the same way for each, so it’s worth knowing both.
The stronger advice is for a surgical wound being managed open: do not use skin cleansers, alcohol, peroxide, iodine, or soap with antibacterial chemicals. These can damage the wound tissue and slow healing. There’s no exception.
For pressure sores, there is one: do not use hydrogen peroxide or iodine cleansers unless directed by your provider, as they can damage the skin.
So for an open wound, the answer is a flat no. The provider-directed exception applies to a different kind of wound. The two aren’t worded the same, and it’s worth knowing that.
One distinction matters when you’re shopping, because the word iodine appears on more than one kind of product. An iodine cleanser poured from a bottle is what this advice is about. An iodine-containing dressing chosen and applied by a clinician is a different thing, decided at an exam. Wound Wizard has a separate page on iodine that covers that difference.
Here’s what to use instead for an open surgical wound: a normal saline solution or mild soapy water, applied by soaking a gauze pad or soft cloth and gently dabbing or wiping the skin, with any drainage and dried blood removed. And afterward, do not put any lotion, cream, or herbal remedies on or around your wound unless your provider has said it is OK.