Precautions for external use of potassium permanganate solution

Potassium permanganate solution is generally well known. It is a powder with excellent bactericidal effect. After being made into potassium permanganate solution with water in a certain proportion, it can play a very good bactericidal role. It is a very common external disinfectant. For example, it can be used to treat fungal infection of athlete's foot and hemorrhoids. It has a good bactericidal and analgesic effect, and its price is relatively cheap, which is very practical in clinical practice.

However, if there is no inflammation, but it is blindly abused as a cleaning agent for a long time, it will cause serious consequences. The key points of using potassium permanganate are summarized as follows:

1. Do not use frequently

The anal canal, like the vagina, has its own specific antibacterial environment. Frequent use of potassium permanganate solution with too high a concentration for sitz baths will change the inherent environment and make it easier for bacteria to invade.

2. Do not use if there is no inflammation

Potassium permanganate is a topical disinfectant. In clinical practice, potassium permanganate aqueous solution is often used for flushing or sitz bathing to treat inflammation of the anus, perineum and other parts. If there is no inflammation, do not use it. When the concentration of potassium permanganate is adjusted to a high level, you will find that all places that have come into contact with the skin will be oxidized to yellow and will take several days to recover. This shows that it has irritating and corrosive effects on the skin and mucous membranes. Too high a concentration will burn the skin, and in severe cases it will cause skin necrosis.

3. Treatment depends on the flora

Only when the infection around the anorectal canal is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, can potassium permanganate aqueous solution be used as an auxiliary treatment for sitz bath. Because these pathogenic microorganisms are not suitable for growing in an acidic environment, they are easily killed by potassium permanganate. For example, fungal proctitis or fungal vaginitis is caused by Candida albicans. Sitz bathing with potassium permanganate aqueous solution not only fails to inhibit the reproduction of fungi, but also aggravates the condition.

4. Correct operation method for external use

Use 1 gram of potassium permanganate to mix with 5000 ml of 20℃~30℃ warm water. Stir evenly and it is ready for use when it turns pink when observed with naked eyes. The soaking time must reach 5 minutes to kill the bacteria.

Remember, do not touch the medicine directly with your hands during preparation. Direct contact of skin with potassium permanganate may cause corrosion or staining. If it accidentally gets into your eyes or burns your skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water. The rinsing effect will be better if there is vitamin C solution.

5. Prepare for use

The prepared aqueous solution can usually only be stored for about 2 hours. When the solution turns brown-purple, it loses its disinfecting effect. Finally, if you encounter special circumstances, such as local skin itching, redness or swelling, stop using it.

Note: Potassium permanganate can only be used externally in low concentrations, and should never be used in high concentrations or orally. The irritation and corrosion of high concentrations can cause burns or erosion and bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes. Considering individual differences, it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.