What is Potassium Permanganate?
Potassium permanganate (also known as Condy’s Crystals) bath or soak is an old remedy for skin infections that has enjoyed continuous use since the 1850s. Originally discovered in the 1600s, this purple crystal came into common use to treat skin infections owing to its oxidizing properties. That just means that it produces a chemical reaction that gets rid of bacteria on the skin.
Condys Crystals can be safely used in a bath; it produces a nice light purple colour and is often used for foot baths prior to a foot massage.
Currently, potassium permanganate is on the World Health Organisation’s List of Essential Medications and is used for infected eczema, for water purification and also for superficial wounds, diabetic ulcers and tropical skin infections.
How do I use Potassium Permanganate?
Potassium permanganate is used for skin infections; this is more commonly done in the setting of infected eczema, fungal skin or scalp infections or a sensation of generalised itch.
Hospital grade Potassium Permanganate should be used at roughly 5mL per 200L bathtub. You should aim for a light purple colour. Please follow the instructions on the bottle.
There is no limit to how often potassium permanganate can be used. In addition to fungal scalp infections, potassium permanganate is often used in foot baths or spa treatments owing to its delightful purple colour and properties against fungal foot infections. It may be added to aromatherapy oils in this setting.
In sweaty summers, regular potassium permanganate baths may reduce fungal skin infections of the scalp and feet.
Is Potassium Permanganate safe?
Potassium Permanganate is generally safe, however in high concentrations it can irritate the skin. Please read the bottle and follow general safety advice as follows:
Potassium Permanganate must NEVER be eaten or consumed and you must call an ambulance if you do so.
Keep it away from children and treat it as dangerous as household bleach if it touches the skin in high concentrations.
It may stain the skin or clothing if too concentrated however this wears off and is rare. Refer to the manufacturer instructions on how to use your potassium permanganate
Patient Handout: Potassium Permanganate 1
REFERENCES
19th WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (April 2015)”. WHO. April 2015.
https://www.scribd.com/document/356832183/19th-WHO-Model -List-of-Essential-Medicines-April 2015-pdf. A
Deichmann WB, Gerarde HW. Toxicology of drugs and chemicals. New York: Academic Press; 1969
S/N: 040Ev2 (10/2017), Hospital Authority Handout on Potassium Permanganate 4% which was accessed 2nd November 2020:
https://www.ha.org.hk/hadf/hadf/Portals/0/Docs/Leaflets/Eng/Potassium_permanganate_solution_4.pdf
