344 gentian violet
gentian violet
(Crystal Violet, methylrosanilinium
chloride)
Gentian violet is a liquid disinfectant
used to help fight infections of the skin,
mouth, and vagina.
Important: After putting this in an
infant’s mouth, turn the baby face
down so it does not swallow too much.
Gentian violet will stain your skin and
clothes purple.
Side effects: Long-term use causes
irritation. Use on a sore or on broken skin
may stain that skin purple when it heals.
Often comes in: Liquid in 0.5%, 1%,
2%; tincture in 0.5%; crystals of 1
teaspoon in ½ liter of water makes a 2%
liquid
How to use:
For vaginal yeast infections, soak
clean cotton with 1% liquid and place
high in the vagina overnight for 3
nights. Be sure to remove the cotton
every morning.
For yeast infections in the mouth
(thrush), rinse the mouth with 1%
liquid for 1 minute 2 times a day, but do
not swallow.
gentian violet continued
For skin infections, first wash with soap
and water, and dry. Then paint on skin,
mouth, or vulva 3 times a day for 5 days.
For skin infections for people with
AIDS, first wash with soap and water,
and dry. Then paint on skin, mouth, or
vulva 2 times a day until rash is gone.
Other medicines that may work:
For skin infections: antibiotic
ointments, iodine
For thrush in the mouth:
lemon (not for babies), nystatin
For vaginal yeast infections:
nystatin, miconozole, clotrimazole
WARNING: Do not have sex
while you are using gentian violet
for a vaginal infection to avoid
passing the infection to your partner. Stop
using gentian violet if it starts to irritate
you. Keep away from the eyes.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007