Have you ever heard of potassium permanganate? This chemical compound has many medical uses that we will learn about in this article, so read the following lines.

What is potassium permanganate?

Potassium permanganate is one of the chemical compounds with multiple uses, and it is the result of the interaction of manganese oxide and potassium hydroxide, and it is used as an antiseptic, and it is also used as a preparation to treat many skin problems for many cases, including fungal infections, and it has many other uses.

Properties of potassium permanganate

Potassium permanganate is known as an oxidant with antiseptic, deodorizing, and astringent properties. Its chemical formula is KMnO4. In its raw state, it is a dark purple, odorless granular powder.

Medicinal uses of potassium permanganate

The sources indicate that this substance is used medically in the treatment of some skin conditions, as this chemical compound works to purify the skin and kill bacteria by releasing oxygen during its interactions with compounds on the skin, and it is an astringent, so it works as a drying agent, and the following are its most prominent uses mentioned In the sources:

• Potassium permanganate for eczema: It is used in the treatment of infected eczema and pimples by drying it.
• Open wounds with ulcersIt can be used as an antiseptic for ulcerated wounds with pus.
• Athlete’s foot, and impetigo: This chemical compound can help to treat both bacteria and fungi.
• Potassium permanganate for hemorrhoidsIt may be added to a sitz bath to relieve pain and itching caused by hemorrhoids.

How to prepare potassium permanganate

This compound must be diluted before using it on the skin, and you must follow the doctor’s instructions, and follow the steps noted with the package, as it may increase the possibility of burns and skin irritation if it is used in concentration, and here are the steps:

• Wear gloves before handling the boat.
• Make sure to dilute it with warm water until it turns pink.
• The final concentration after dilution with water is 1 in 10,000.
• It should be kept away from children.

How to use potassium permanganate

Here are suggested directions for using a solution diluted 1:10,000:

• For eczema: put an appropriate amount of it in a sink or bathtub and immerse the affected part for minutes.
• Wounds: Add an appropriate amount to a bandage, then put it on the wound, and change it two or three times a day.
• Athlete’s foot: immerse the foot in a tub of diluted potassium permanganate once every eight hours.
• Impetigo: Gently rub the affected area.
• Hemorrhoids: Sitting in a tub filled with the diluted solution for 15-20 minutes two or three times a day.

Dangerous potassium permanganate

This compound is generally safe, but it must be diluted before use as the doctor tells you, except that it may leave some brown pigmentation on the skin or nails that quickly disappear within about two days, and the following are some of what was mentioned in the sources about its danger:

• It may result in some skin side effects such as irritation and redness of skin burns.
• This compound should not be swallowed as it is very toxic, and it is not recommended to eat or drink while preparing it.
• Contact with eyes should be avoided, as it may cause irritation, blurred vision, conjunctival pigmentation, eyelid swelling, and local burns.
• May cause problems for the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and genitals.

We always recommend consulting a doctor first in previous cases, as the problem may need another treatment with greater or less effect, according to what the doctor sees.