Gentian violet what is it used for

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Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. In many countries, gentian violet is no longer available for medical purposes. Serious side effects are rare when gentian violet is used as a topical external treatment. Some authorities advise against applying gentian violet to mucous membranes and open wounds. See smartphone apps to check your skin. Books about skin diseases Books about the skin Dermatology Made Easy book.

DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. As GV remains a useful therapeutic option for certain acute conditions, to ensure safe use of the product, healthcare professionals are reminded that GV-containing antiseptic is limited to short-term external use only.

A Singapore Government Agency Website. Browse Home Announcements. Safety update on gentian violet antiseptic HSA is aware that Health Canada had issued a safety alert in June to warn that gentian violet GV -containing antiseptic may potentially increase the risk of carcinogenicity. About gentian violet GV is an antiseptic with antibacterial, antifungal and antihelminthic properties. Safety alert from Health Canada In June , Health Canada issued a safety alert on the potential risk of carcinogenicity with GV-containing products.

Now that antifungal resistance has risen in tandem with antibiotic resistance throughout the world, gentian violet is making something of a comeback. Some researchers say gentian violet provides a widely available and effective treatment for thrush infections.

In light of recent research in animals pointing to potential serious health risks involving the use of gentian violet, many authorities advise caution.

It declined to issue an ADI advisable daily intake because of these safety issues. Gentian violet medical use has been banned in some countries and curtailed in others. Read on to see some examples. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends the following topical medications for thrush, and does not mention gentian violet:.

Also, the Infectious Diseases Society of America omits gentian violet from the update of its guidelines for management of candida infections.

As mentioned above, gentian violet has been identified as a potential carcinogen, mutagen substance causing DNA mutations , and toxin. Also, reports have been made about side effects in babies, including:.

One research review and one study found gentian violet as effective as the drug nystatin in treating HIV thrush infections. Even though these and earlier studies have shown gentian violet to be effective in treating thrush, regulatory agencies currently tend to favor the azole antifungal drugs instead as they are known to be safe, inexpensive, and widely available.

Candida albicans — a form of yeast that lives on your skin and in your mouth and digestive tract — is usually kept under control by friendly bacteria and microorganisms. But when the delicate balance is upset, Candida albicans flourishes. This overgrowth is known as thrush. And it can make feeding time quite painful, so if your baby is extra fussy at this time, you might have a good idea of what to blame. If you are breastfeeding or chestfeeding, symptoms of thrush are often some scaling and redness around your nipples.

Or you may notice a deep, burning pain that lasts through the feeding.