Potassium permanganate is a chemical reagent used in labs to make drugs and other compounds. In addition to these peaceful applications, it is used to make explosives and is occasionally found in survivalist kits as a fire-starter. Its caustic properties lent themselves to medical applications in the past. It still is used occasionally in Europe for external medicinal uses.
The Basics
Potassium permanganate is a small inorganic molecule with a molecular weight of 158 grams per mole. It has one potassium, one manganese and four oxygen atoms. Like all strong oxidizers, it reacts easily, producing exothermic, or heat-producing, reactions. It dissolves easily in water, producing pinkish-purple solutions.
Dermatological Applications
No modern clinical uses for potassium permanganate exist in the U.S., but this chemical is used as a topical antiseptic and astringent for treating wounds in the United Kingdom. It is sold in tablets marketed under the name "Permitab." The product includes instructions that explain how to dissolve the tablet in water and apply the solution to wounds. It is used primarily on wounds or eczema that "weep" and exude pus or other liquids.
Controversy
An article appearing in the August 3, 2003, "Nursing Times" suggests that potassium permanganate might be of limited use in wound care. The author says it provides only brief respite from symptoms and that little evidence indicates it provides any significant benefit. Users apparently fail to prepare the solution properly, resulting in caustic burns.
Historical Uses
A paper appearing in the November 11, 1920, issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association" discussed the use of potassium permanganate as a gonorrhea treatment. One part of potassium permanganate was dissolved in 4,000 parts water to create a caustic solution that doctors used to irrigate the urethra. According to the article, one or two applications of this solution cleared up the infection. Doctors abandoned this treatment after the discovery of antibiotics.
References
- Drugs.com: Permitab
- Drugs.com: Potassium Permanganate
- Nursing Times Net; "Should Potassium Permanganate be Used in Wound Care"; Irene Anderson; August 2003
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals: Potassium Permanganate
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; "Treatment of Gonorrhea of the Male Urethra"; Edward Keyes; November 1920
- Primitive Ways; "Fire by Chemical Reaction"; Bob Gillis et al.
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