What an unlikely combination to think of: sugar mixed with iodine. These two make excellent partners and have for a very long time.
Back as late as the 1700s, people were using honey and grease to treat wounds. Recent years have found studies to support the use of sugars as wound treatment. Sugar creates an anaerobic environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria, thereby not allowing infections to breed.
Iodine is considered to be antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal. Combine this with sugar and you have a formula that is wonderful in helping to reduce proud flesh by accelerating granulation of tissue, and, in turn, helping to cover open wounds.
All you need is sugar and iodine. Start by pouring some sugar into an old cup, or a disposable coffee cup will do. Add the iodine slowly, stirring as you pour. Keep adding the iodine until you get the sugar to a peanut butter consistency. You can enhance this combination even more by adding herbs to the mix.
It is a simple, easy and affordable way to work with thrush and abscesses of the hoof and body, ulcers and minor cuts and wounds. Be careful with sensitive skinned horses -- you may find that they will have a reaction to the iodine since it is a counterirritant and may cause some scruffing if it comes in contact with the skin.