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Gentian violet is an antifungal agent. Typically prepared as a weak (eg 1%) solution in water, it painted on skin or gums to treat or prevent fungus infections. Gentian violet does not require a doctor's prescription (in the US), but is not easily found in drug stores. Tampons treated with gentian violet are sometimes used for vaginal applications
Applications
Commonly used for
- Tinea; eg Athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm
- Candida albicans and related infections; eg thrush, yeast infections
Precautions
Gentian violet's worst common side effect is staining skin and cloth, but if used on ulcerations or open wounds it can cause tattooing. It it generally considered safe for use on children and breastfeeding mothers. La Leche League and others have recommended it even for thrush on the nipple.
Popular Culture
In Catch-22, the medics are portrayed as using gentian violet on feet and gums as a universal panacea.
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