Gentian Violet: Risks, Side Effects & Safety Concerns

Also called crystal violet and Pyoctaninum caeruleum, gentian violet is a dye made from coal tar. Despite its use to potentially fight infections and bacteria, gentian violet poses several risks to patients.

Location

• Gentian violet is most dangerous when allowed to enter the bloodstream, such as when taken orally or used to treat broken skin.

Types of Side Effects

• Possible side effects of gentian violet include stomach pain, stomachaches, diarrhea, vomiting, mouth ulcers and skin blisters.

Features

• In addition to adverse health effects, topical gentian violet has the potential to permanently stain your skin.

Speculation

• Despite an article to the contrary published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology by Jack Arbiser, many doctors believe that gentian violet poses a risk for cancer, according to the Physician's Desktop Reference.

Warning

• Some patients develop life-threatening allergic reactions to gentian violet, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, skin hives and even anaphylactic shock.

Considerations

• If you are pregnant or nursing or have a medical history of porphyria, hypertension or heart disease, avoid taking gentian violet due to its possible side effects.