Gentian violet

Gentian violet has antifungal and antibacterial activity and has traditionally been used as current treatment for a variety of dermatological conditions. However, there is little evidence from clinical trials to support its long-term effectiveness or safety, so for many diseases, more modern treatments, such as antibiotics and others systemic medications, are favored. In many countries, gentian violet is no longer available for medical purposes.

Gentian violet uses

Gentian violet has been used to treat the following dermatological conditions:

• Infecciones fúngicas, incluyendo infecciones fúngicas de la piel, candidiasis oral (candidiasis oral) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection). More recently, gentian violet has been used to treat oral candidiasis in patients who are HIV-positive.
• Superficial bacterial infections of the skin as infected eczema, boil and chronic leg (long-standing) ulcers. Gentian violet may also be active against resistant methicillin Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Leucoplasia vellosa oral (blanca plates on the edges of the tongue). This condition occurs in patients with weakened immune systems, particularly HIV positive individuals. Oral hairy leukoplakia is associated with Epstein Barr virus (EBV), the cause of glandular fever. EBV infection results in the generation of reactive oxygen species; Gentian violet is believed to work by inhibiting reactive oxygen species.

Gentian violet has also been used for other medical and industrial purposes.

Side effects of gentian violet

La Violeta de Genciana contiene alcaloides, compuestos químicos que pueden ser tóxicos si se consumen en grandes cantidades. El uso excesivo o prolongado de productos que contengan Violeta de Genciana puede causar problemas de salud, como dolores de cabeza, náuseas, vómitos, diarrea, problemas respiratorios y en casos extremos puede causar problemas cardíacos y daño al hígado. Además, algunos estudios han sugerido que la Violeta de Genciana puede ser tóxica para el embarazo y debido a esto, no se recomienda su uso durante el embarazo o la lactancia.

Es importante tener en cuenta que los productos que contienen Violeta de Genciana deben usarse solo en las cantidades recomendadas y no deben usarse sin la supervisión de un profesional de la salud.

Es recomendable leer la etiqueta de cualquier producto que contenga Violeta de Genciana y seguir las instrucciones de uso adecuadas.

• Gentian violet can irritate mucous membranes (for example, the tissues that line the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, and genital tract) if used in high concentrations. For example, if taken by mouth, it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• There have been reports of gentian violet causing oral ulcers, even when used as a topical treatment at low concentrations.
• May cause necrotic skin reactions (blackened skin due to tissue death), particularly when used in high concentrations around skin folds (for example, under the breast, around the genitals and the webs of the toes)
• May lower white blood cell count when given intravenously (directly into a vein)
• It can stain skin and clothing; when applied to ulcers, the staining can be permanent
• Laboratory studies have shown that gentian violet is capable of causing Cancer in mice, but there is little evidence that this occurs in humans

Serious side effects are rare when gentian violet is used as a topical external treatment. Some authorities advise against applying gentian violet to mucous membranes and open wounds.