Potassium permanganate is a disinfectant substance with deodorizing and astringent properties. You can make a potassium permanganate solution by dissolving tablets, crystals or powder in water. Caution is essential because this chemical compound is caustic and can burn the skin if not properly diluted. Even fairly dilute solutions can cause skin irritation and can even burn skin when applied repeatedly, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Potassium permanganate can be helpful for certain skin disorders.
Eczema
Potassium permanganate baths are effective for treating symptoms of infected cases of eczema, including blisters and oozing skin associated with this problem, explains DermNet NZ. The website recommends creating a bath by adding 400 mg potassium permanganate tablets to each 4 L of hot water, making sure the tablets completely dissolve in the water before adding to the bath. Take two baths daily for two days to help soothe symptoms and dry oozing sores. An article published in the Aug. 5, 2003 issue of Nursing Times recommends only using potassium permanganate to treat weeping eczema for a few days at a time to avoid skin irritation.
Skin Sores
Potassium permanganate topical solutions also may be helpful for treating and cleansing blistering skin conditions, surface erosions, wounds, bacterial ulcerations, weeping ulcers and abscesses. Add 1 part potassium permanganate to 1,000 parts water, then soak strips of cotton or gauze in the solution and wrap them around the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes, advises DermNet NZ. The astringent action helps dry out the sore and prepares the skin for further treatment. The Nursing Times article reports this treatment can be applied for up to 60 minutes, cautioning that prolonged soaking can lead to absorption of fluid into the tissue. This fluid will eventually begin leaking out and add to the existing problem of weeping sores. In addition, potassium permanganate is often only effective as a very short-term treatment. Some studies indicating successful treatment of wounds with potassium permanganate also used steroid treatment, according to the Nursing Times article.
Fungal Infections
A 1 percent potassium permanganate solution can eliminate tinea fungal infections such as athlete's foot, according to DermNet NZ. Athlete's foot usually affects skin between the toes. The skin may peel and itch, and it can have painful splits plus a bad odor. The tinea fungus can infect other parts of the body as well. When tinea affects the groin, people commonly call the condition jock itch, and when it affects the scalp and other parts of the body, it usually is called ringworm because it tends to look like a worm making a circle.
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