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How it works
Unlike many other disinfectants, potassium permanganate is an oxidizer and an astringent. Its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties make it unique, as they are characteristics that are not often found together in other disinfectants. For example, while hydrogen peroxide and chlorine (and its derivatives) are, too, oxidizers, they instead often irritate the skin and wounds.
Safety: is potassium permanganate a poison?
Many pharmacists consider potassium permanganate to be a poisonous substance. It is true that potassium permanganate is a chemical reagent and, as with other reagents, must never be ingested. When diluted, however, potassium permanganate is not toxic and is considered a “natural” compound, as it contains potassium and manganese which are two elements that are commonly found in food. Paradoxically, disinfectants that are commonly considered as “good”, such as chlorhexidine, povidone iodine or chlorine have real toxic potential.
When to use
Disinfectants are commonly used on wounds, ulcers, decubitus and in cases of dermatitis. As a treatment option, potassium permanganate is unparalleled, as it can be safely used on wounds, ulcers or on dermatitis. For the former, potassium permanganate is applied on a compress and applied to the affected area for a specific time period defined by a dermatologist.
Prescription example
Place ………………………..
Date ………………………..
Name ………………………..
R/ Potassium Permanganate one hundred twenty-five milligrams (125 mg) X dose
Number of doses required………………
S/ One dose x liter of water
External use
For disinfection of the skin
Physician’s signature
How to prepare
Potassium permanganate should be weighed by the pharmacist in 125 mg doses. The solution should be prepared at home as follows:
- Bring one liter of tap water to boil. When boiling, add a single unit dose (125mg) of potassium permanganate.
- Remove from the heat and stir for one minute.
Once cooled, decant the solution into a suitable container(s). The containers should be dark or lined with aluminum foil and kept in a dark place to prevent the solution being exposed to light. This is particularly important, as the solution oxidizes on light exposure and will lose effectiveness. - Label the container “disinfectant” and store in a locked cabinet and out of reach of children and animals. If stored correctly, potassium permanganate solution will remain active for more than a month.
Use of potassium permanganate to treat dermatitis
In cases of dermatitis, potassium permanganate is mainly used as sanitizer and as a substitution for traditional water and soaps that can aggravate the condition. For this reason, potassium permanganate “dry washes” should be used so that the area affected by dermatitis remains clean but is not overly exposed to water.
How to “dry” wash with potassium permanganate solution
After preparing the solution, pour onto a cotton towel, roughly the size of a pillowcase. Wring the towel until there are no loose droplets. With the dampened cloth, gently rub the skin from head to toe to clean and disinfect. This washing technique avoids the use of water and, so, can also be used for dermatitis on the scalp (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis). For dermatitis or rosacea on the face or eyelids, the solution can be used to remove make-up and cleanse.
Use of potassium permanganate to treat atopic dermatitis
People with atopic dermatitis are particularly sensitive to water and traditional cleansing products. It is thought that those with atopic dermatitis have a defect in the skin’s protective layer causing it to lose moisture, and resulting in dry and irritable skin. Dry washing with potassium permanganate solution helps keep the body clean, while reducing the itching and inflammation that atopic dermatitis causes. See also: https://www.dermaclub.it/malattie/dermatite-atopica-da-rimedi-naturali-trattare-senza-farmaci/
Use in cases of eczema, dermatitis, burns, ulcers and decubitus
Potassium permanganate solution is also the go-to treatment for eczema or dermatitis. Unlike traditional washing with water and soap, potassium permanganate solution soothes these conditions, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties. The solution can also help to treat burns, as it is an astringent disinfectant which helps to reduce pain, something that other disinfectants often make worse. To treat ulcers and decubitus, potassium permanganate solution can be used to clean wounds while changing dressings.
Conclusion
Potassium permanganate solution is unrivaled in its ability to treat various skin conditions, thanks to its astringent, antipruritic and disinfectant properties.
