Potassium permanganate

Dark purple, almost black, readily water-soluble substance used in medicine as an antiseptic. Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent.

Apply 0.001 % solution 1-2 times/day to the affected skin areas.

Note! Stains skin, clothing and objects purple to brown!

Remember! Prepare a very light solution, do not dilute too low!

• By inhalation: breathing difficulties, muscle twitches, night cramps.
• If the solution is swallowed (conc. 1% or more): mucous membrane burns.
• Symptoms of poisoning: Highly feverish pneumonia, neurological disorders.

Please note! If potassium permanganate is prescribed as a (crystalline) pure substance, so that the patient has to prepare the solution himself, care must be taken to ensure that the crystals are completely dissolved in the water. Otherwise, deep necrosis may occur at the contact points. Note as a signature! Accidental ingestion of incompletely dissolved potassium permanganate crystals can lead to burns with severe mucosal necrosis in the oesophagus and stomach. Immediate endoscopic intervention is indicated. Immediate help by dilution with a 1-2% NaCl solution.

Inorder toavoid such risks, a 1% aqueous stock solution should always be prescribed, which should then be diluted for use in a ratio of 1:100 or 1:1000.

1. Wisbauer M et al (2008) Accidental potassium permanganate burn. Monthly paediatrics 156: 1100-1103