Potassium permanganate

Topical/Cutaneous
Tinea pedis, Wound cleansing

Iodides, reducing agents and most organic substances.

Skin contact: Irritation, redness, pain, burns, brown stain and hardening of the outer layer of skin; dry crystals or concentrated solutions: highly corrosive to tissue; dilute solutions: mildly irritant. Eye contact: (to dry crystals/crystal dust/ concentrated solutions) Irritation, redness, blurring of vision, brown staining of the conjunctiva, eyelid swelling, burns to corneal and conjunctival. Vaginal contact: Corrosive burns; severe bleeding and perforation of the vaginal wall, leading to peritonitis.

Signs and symptoms include discoloration of mucous membranes, cough, oesophageal stricture, GI haemorrhage, ocular irritation and vomiting.

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Potassium permanaganate, a strong oxidising agent with disinfectant, deodorising and astringent properties. Even though it is bactericidal in vitro, its clinical use is limited as it is rapidly reduced in the presence of body fluids.

Skin Antiseptics & Disinfectants