Potassium permanganate is an antiseptic substance with antibacterial and antifungal action, which can be used to clean skin with wounds, abscesses or chickenpox, for example, and to facilitate skin healing, and should be used according to the doctor’s recommendation. It is important to know that these pills are for external use only and should not be ingested.
Potassium permanganate can be found in pharmacies, in tablet or powder form, which must be dissolved in water before use.
what is it for
Potassium permanganate has an antiseptic action and, therefore, it can be indicated by the doctor for cleaning and disinfecting wounds and ulcers, being an adjunct in the treatment of chickenpox, candidiasis or other skin wounds.
How to use
Potassium permanganate can be found in powder or tablet form, both of which need to be diluted with water. Therefore, dilute 1 tablet or 100 mg of potassium permanganate in 1 to 4 liters of water or according to the doctor’s instructions, as the proportion for dilution may vary according to the problem to be treated, in some cases.
After dilution, wash the affected region with this solution or remain immersed in water for a maximum of 10 minutes daily, after bathing, until the wounds disappear. In addition, this solution can also be used through a sitz bath, in a bidet, basin or in a bathtub, for example, or by dipping a compress into the solution and passing it into the affected region. See more about the potassium permanganate bath.
Possible side effects
The main side effects are related to the ingestion of potassium permanganate, as it can have a caustic effect, resulting in irritation of the digestive tract, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, in addition to altering the color of the mouth.
In addition, if potassium permanganate stays in contact with the skin for a long time, there may also be skin irritation, burns, pain, redness and, in some cases, the skin may become stained.
When not indicated
Potassium permanganate should not be used by people with hypersensitivity to this substance and should be avoided on the face, especially near the eye region. This substance is for external use only and must never be ingested.
