Have you ever opened a first-aid kit and seen a small bottle of liquid that looked exactly like bright purple ink? That vividly colourful liquid is called gentian violet solution. It is an old-school immune remedy that doctors and parents alike have relied on for more than a century.
Thus, even with all the modern creams and ointments we have today, this purple liquid is still widely used because it works incredibly well. This purple liquid is an antiseptic, that is a dye, that halts the growth of dangerous germs, bacteria, and fungi on the skin.
If you think this colorful liquid only has the potential to create a mess, think again! Here are 7 surprising benefits of Gentian Violet Solution that will make you want to keep a bottle in your medicine cabinet.
The Amazing Healing Power of Gentian Violet Solution
Before we look at the specific benefits, it helps to understand how this purple magic actually does its work. They multiply in your skin cells, and soon your skin tissue is full of infected cells. Gentian Violet Solution works by binding to the DNA of these harmful bacteria and fungi, thereby inhibiting their growth and spread.
Interestingly, it is not actually made from the gentian flower! It was formulated in a science laboratory in the 19th century, but the scientists that created it dubbed it “Gentian” because its vibrant purple shade seemed exactly like the petals of the wild gentian plant. It is still one of the cheapest and most reliable remedies for a wide range of skin problems.
1. First Aid Magic: Gentian Violet Solution for Cuts and Scrapes
We all take a tumble sometimes. Whether you scrape your knee playing basketball or get a paper cut from a textbook, the first step to healing is to keep the wound clean. Gentian Violet Solution is one of the best uses in basic first-aid treatment.
If you put a thin layer of this purple liquid on a minor cut, it provides a micro-shield. It kills the bacteria that have the potential to cause an infection and shields the cut skin until the body heals the wound. In addition to this, the quick-drying nature of the solution helps to create a crust under which the scrape is protected from any dirt.
2. Stopping the Itch: Gentian Violet Solution for Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a widely spread and highly itchy skin ailment. This fungus thrives in warm, dark, and damp environments – such as sweaty shoes! The skin between your toes starts to peel, crack, and itch aggressively – a fungus has moved in for sure.
Because it is known for its ability to destroy fungal cells, Gentian Violet Solution for athlete’s foot is one of the most effective home remedies. The liquid easily accedes the tiny cracks in between the toes and kills the fungus on contact. It also helps to evaporate excess moisture from your feet, again making it impossible for the fungus to live.
3. Baby Care: Using Gentian Violet Solution for Oral Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection that occurs inside the mouth. It is very common in tiny babies and causes white patches on the tongue and inner cheeks, which are uncomfortable and make eating painful.
To cure this problem, for decades, pediatricians have recommended the use of a very diluted (weakened) Gentian Violet Solution. The solution, applied with a cotton swab and “painted” on the inside of the baby’s mouth, quickly kills overgrown yeast.
Note: Babies are very small and sensitive, so parents should always consult a physician before applying any treatments to a baby’s mouth!
4. Soothing Skin: Gentian Violet Solution for Eczema and Rashes
Eczema is a skin condition that leads to red, itchy skin patches and inflammation. This weeping occurs when clear liquid seeps out from these itchy patches and remains moist. This factor prolongs the healing process and attracts pathogenic bacteria, which result in secondary infections.
The application of Gentian Violet Solution to weeping eczema has a two-fold function. Its antibacterial properties prevent infections on the raw skin. Secondly, it has an eminent “drying” effect. This allowed the raw skin to scab over and heal properly.
5. Infection Prevention: Best solution for fungal infection & ringworm
Despite its gross-sounding name, ringworm has absolutely nothing to do with worms! It is in fact a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy, circle-shaped rash on the skin. It is contagious enough to be carried over from sharing towels or petting an infected animal.
Since ringworm is caused by a fungus, Gentian Violet Solution is the perfect weapon to fight it. Painting the purple liquid directly over the red circle prevents the fungus from spreading to other parts of the body. The itchiness goes away completely, and the skin clears up, within a couple of days after applying the medication.
6. Helping Nursing Moms: Gentian Violet Solution for Yeast Issues
Just as new-born babies can develop thrush in their mouths, nursing mothers also suffer pain from yeast infections on their skins. Nursing mothers sometimes get painful yeast infections on the skin, making it uncomfortable to feed their baby.
Considering it is generally safe (if used correctly), doctors often recommend patients to use the Gentian Violet Solution to clear out these yeast infections as soon as possible. It works incredibly fast to soothe the burning and itching so that the mothers can feed their babies without pain. It proved to be a better and more natural choice than using heavy chemical creams.
7. Pet Care: Gentian Violet Solution for Animal Hot Spots
Did you know that this purple medicine is not just for humans? It is also a fantastic medicine for our furry friends! Dogs and cats often suffer from “hot spots” – areas on the skin that become infected, red and itchy because the animal keeps licking or chewing on that particular area.
Many veterinarians recommend using Gentian Violet Solution on these hot spots. Not only does it kill the bacteria and yeast causing the itch, but the weird purple color and strange taste often stop the dog or cat from chewing on the spot, giving it the time it needs to heal.
How to Safely Apply Gentian (g violet) Violet Solution at Home
Now that you know all the amazing things this product can do, you need to know how to use it safely. The most important thing to remember is that Gentian Violet Solution is a very strong dye. It will stain your skin purple for a few days, and if you spill it, it will permanently stain your clothes, carpets, and countertops!
Here is the best way to apply gentian violet topical solution:
- Dress carefully: Put on old clothes and wear a pair of disposable gloves so your fingers don’t turn purple.
- Use a tool: Never pour it directly onto your skin. Dip a Q-tip (cotton swab) into the bottle.
- Keep it light: Apply a very thin, light layer to the affected area. You do not need a thick coat for it to work!
- Let it dry: Allow it to air-dry completely before putting clothes or bandages over the area.
Conclusion: Adding Purple Power (gentian purple) to Your First Aid Kit
From stopping the itch of athlete’s foot to helping a scraped knee heal safely, the benefits of this vibrant purple medicine are truly impressive. It is a cheap, long-lasting, and powerful tool that has stood the test of time. The next time you are faced with a stubborn fungal infection or a minor cut, consider reaching for Gentian Violet Solution. Just remember to apply it carefully—unless you want to look like a purple alien for the rest of the week!
