Oral thrush can be irritating or painful, but it is rarely serious. Gentian violet, a chemical dye with antimicrobial properties, is an effective remedy for the treatment of oral thrush that can be purchased over the counter and applied as directed by a doctor. Side effects are rare and typically mild, but this home treatment can be messy.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. Caused by the fungus Candida albicans, it most frequently occurs in babies, elderly denture users and people with a compromised immune system, such as those with AIDS. Symptoms of oral thrush include white patches on the tongue or inner cheek. These lesions are sometimes painful or uncomfortable. In breastfeeding babies, this infection can be passed between the infant's mouth and the mother's nipples, so treating both mother and baby is often necessary.
Gentian Violet
Gentian violet is an antifungal that can treat oral thrush infections. You can purchase this medication over the counter as a solution of two percent or less gentian violet in water, which also contains about 10 percent alcohol or glycerine by volume. A pharmacist can dilute a two percent solution if necessary, since this can be too strong for some patients, including small babies. Gentian violet has a deep purple color. This medication works quickly and generally clears up oral thrush within a few hours to a few days.
Usage
For oral thrush, gentian violet is typically applied directly to the mouth using a cotton swab to spread it across all oral surfaces. Gentian violet should not be consumed, only applied topically. In most cases, you will need to apply gentian violet two or three times a day until the infection clears up. A breast-feeding mother may treat a baby with oral thrush by first treating her own nipples and then breast-feeding the baby after her own nipples have dried. This transfers small amounts of the medicine to the infant's mouth, but not enough for the baby to swallow. The breast milk also dilutes any small amount of gentian violet that the baby swallows, rendering it harmless. You should consult a physician for specific instructions on how to use gentian violet for your particular case.
Considerations
Because gentian violet can stain clothing and skin, take care when applying it. You can use a cotton pad to wipe off any gentian violet that gets on the baby's face during application. Some people develop skin or mouth irritation as a side effect of using gentian violet. If you or your baby develop sores or ulcers in the mouth, stop using gentian violet and contact your doctor. Decreasing the concentration might help prevent mouth sores from developing.
