Potassium permanganate is a salt compound that typically comes in the form of crystals. This chemical can be used for a variety of causes, including for skin problems and in the treatment of fish ponds. Although not the most effective antibacterial agent, it can be effective when dissolved in water. The solid crystals, however, can cause damage to the body.
Identification
Potassium permanganate is a chemical compound (KMn04) in which one molecule has one atom of potassium, one of manganese and four atoms of oxygen. The salt results from the combination of potassium and permanganate (also known as manganate (VII). This salt dissolves in water to form a bright, purple solution and is also known as Condy's crystals or permanganate of potash.
Hazards
Potassium permanganate can be dangerous. The powder, though not flammable itself, can speed the burning of other compounds. It can also cause irritation to the skin and eyes, resulting in chemical burns. Inhalation can damage the throat and lungs. If ingested, it can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and sudden unconsciousness.
For Fish Ponds
Potassium permanganate is commonly used commercially for treating ponds and other aquatic environments. Potassium permanganate is very toxic to bacteria that can infect fish and algae. It's also effective against parasites that attack fish gills. Potassium permanganate crystals can be used to treat water by dissolving 2mg of the crystals into the water for every liter in volume.
Eczema Treatment
Potassium permanganate can also be used to treat secondary infections (from bacteria) for people with eczema. In this case, a potassium permanganate bath should be prepared. This bath can be prepared by putting 1g potassium permanganate crystal in the bath for every 6 gallons of water. The patient should then bathe as usual.
Dermatitis Treatment
Potassium permanganate has also been evaluated as a treatment for atopic dermatitis. It can be used because of its ability to kill bacteria. One study compared the effectiveness of this treatment (with a 1 to 20,000 mixture of potassium permanganate to water ratio) to chlorhexedine and, while finding the latter more effective, was able to demonstrate a significant decrease in skin bacteria after potassium permanganate treatment.
Member Comments