Potassium Permanganate 1:10,000 - soak, bath, wash, dab

Introduction

Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is an oxidizing agent with disinfectant (mild antiseptic), deodorizing and astringent (something that dries the skin) properties.

• The clinical value of it as bactericide is limited by its repaid reduction in the presence of body fluids.
• Hence, it is often used to treat weeping or blistering conditions such as acute weeping/infected eczema and leg ulcers.

NOTE: Once the skin become dry, patient should be advised to stop using the solution.

Method of Administration

Ideally, the solution should be prepared freshly just before use.

• Once in solution form, it may undergo oxidation and become brown in colour.

The recommended concentration of potassium permanganate for treating weeping or blistering conditions is 1:10,000 (light pink colour). To prepare a 1:10,000 solution, you can

• Dilute one part of potassium permanganate 1:1000 with 9 parts of water.
• Dilute 10 ml of 1.5% potassium permanganate to 1.5 L with water
• Dilute 10 ml of 5% potassium permanganate to 5 L with water.

The patient may then soak the affected skin area for about 10-15 minutes and then pat dry.

• For sensitive areas such as groins, it is recommended to soak some gauze swabs with the diluted solution and then apply the damp swabs to the weeping areas of the skin.

Furthermore, it may be used as wet dressings, bath or wash.

NOTE: The choice of initial potassium permanganate concentration depends on the final quantity that we would like to make (i.e. is it for bath, soak or wash?).

Patient Counselling

Patients should be counselled that potassium permanganate can stain skin and nails, clothing, fabrics and ceramic basins.

• To prevent staining, you can apply nail varnish or soft paraffin to fingernails and toenails before treatment.

External Links

• DermNZ - Potassium permanganate
• British Association of Dermatology - Potassium permanganate solution soaks