What is Potassium Permanganate?
Potassium permanganate, when diluted, is a mild antiseptic and something that dries the skin.
External use only!
It is for external use only; it must not be taken by mouth as this can be fatal.
What is Potassium Permanganate used for?
Potassium Permanganate is used to treat:
- Weeping or infected eczema
- Wounds and fissures
- Blistering conditions
How to use Potassium Permanganate?
The solution should be prepared for immediate use only. Wearing gloves is advisable when preparing the soak as it can stain your nails brown, but this does fade over time.
Dilute using warm water until a rose pink colour is obtained:
- 5% Potassium Permanganate – add 3mls of solution to 6 litres of warm water.
- Permatabs – 1 tablet to 4 litres of warm water.
The affected areas should be soaked with the solution for 10 minutes (goes brown) and your bath should be cleaned immediately after use to reduce the risk of staining.
Precautions
- Potassium Permanganate can cause irritation if the dilution is not adequate.
- Potassium Permanganate stains surfaces, baths, sinks, floors, carpets and clothing.
- When storing Potassium Permanganate store in a high or lockable cupboard out of reach of children.
Useful sources of information
For Further Information
Medicines Information Patient Helpline:
Tel: 0191 282 3016. Available 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). This helpline is available for patients of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, to answer any questions they may have regarding their medicines.
Dermatology:
Tel: 0191 282 0098. Available 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
Out-of-hours Advice:
Contact NHS 111 or visit your nearest NHS Walk-in Centre.
