When you have a minor injury or scrape, some people look for a bottle of purple medicine at home, right? Many of us have seen this, but we don't know exactly how to use it and what precautions to take. Some people also call it "purple medicine" because of its purple color. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Gentian Violet, and how exactly to use it medically.
What is Gentian Violet?
Simply put, Gentian Violet is an antiseptic . This means that it can kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi on our skin. Its main function is to treat and prevent infections in small wounds, scrapes, and minor infections on the skin's surface . The most distinctive feature of this medicine is that when applied, the area becomes stained with a dark purple color.
The most important thing is that this should only be used for minor wounds . It is not suitable for large, deep, or severe burns.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you use Gentian Violet, it is essential that your doctor is aware of these facts. Then it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.
- Do you have large burns or severely damaged skin on your body?
- Do you have an allergic reaction not only to Gentian Violet, but also to any other medicine, food, food dyes, or preservatives?
- Are you currently pregnant or planning to have a baby in the near future?
- Are you a breastfeeding mother?
Don't hide this kind of information from your doctor, because it can directly affect your health.
Okay, now let's see how to use this exactly.
To get the most out of this medicine, it's important to know how to use it properly. Let's see how to do this step by step.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. For external use only. | This is very important. Do not take this medicine by mouth (drink) for any reason . This is for topical use only. |
| 2. Hand washing | Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine. |
| 3. Applying medicine | Apply this medicine as a thin film to the wound. You don't need to apply it too thickly. It's usually easier to apply it using a piece of cotton. |
| 4. At regular intervals | Take your medication at the right time and for the right number of times as instructed by your doctor. |
| 5. Completion of treatment | Even if the wound seems to be healing, complete the treatment for the number of days prescribed by the doctor. Otherwise, the infection may return. |
When used for young children
Since young children's skin is very sensitive, special care should be taken when using this medicine on them. Therefore, consult your pediatrician and use this on children only on his/her advice.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the next scheduled time. Never take a double dose .
Let's also learn about side effects.
Like any medicine, Gentian Violet can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. It is important to be aware of these.
| Nature of the side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | If you experience one or more of these symptoms, such as skin irritation, a rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, stop using the medicine immediately and consult your doctor. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention | |
| Skin Discoloration | It is normal for the area where the medicine was applied to turn dark purple. This is the nature of this medicine. There is no need to worry about this. However, if this stain persists for a long time or is bothersome to you, tell your doctor. |
What if you overdose on medicine?
If anyone accidentally drinks this medicine or applies too much to the skin, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things to be careful about
- If your wound symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, tell your doctor right away.
- Do not let this medicine get into your eyes . If it accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- If your doctor has prescribed this medicine for a specific condition, use it only for that condition. Don't apply it to every wound you can think of.
- This is a medicine for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
Take-Home Message
- Gentian Violet is an antiseptic used to prevent infection in minor wounds and scrapes .
- This is for topical use only (external use only) . It is not recommended for ingestion at any time.
- Before using this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms, such as swelling of the face or tongue, seek medical advice immediately.
- Always take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, for the number of days prescribed.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න