Pediatr. praxi 2017; 18(5): 311-312 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2017.085

Burns of the external genitalia with potassium permanganate in the treatment of vulvovaginitis

MUDr. Martina Velíšková¹, MUDr. Leoš Teslík²

¹ Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika Fakultní nemocnice Královské Vinohrady a 3. LF UK, Praha

² Gynekologické oddělení Nemocnice Hořovice, Hořovice

Potassium permanganate is a dark purple salt that is used as an antiseptic. It is well soluble in water and if it is used as a disinfectantit is necessary to prepare only very little concentrated solution and to ensure complete dissolution of the tablets/granules.Otherwise, skin irritation occurs and it can progress to severe skin and mucous membrane burns. This case report presents a caseof a three-year-old girl, whose mother, a general practitioner, recommended a local application of potassium permanganate totreat vulvovaginitis. However, the mother was not sufficiently instructed by the doctor and instead of the diluted solution sheapplied a powder of potassium permanganate on external genitals of the girl. There have been burns, which fortunately did notinterfere with the mucous membrane of the vagina and the urethra. Only local treatment and increased hygiene of the externalgenitals was necessary and the skin healed without consequences.

Keywords: potassium permanganate, vulvovaginitis, burns

Received: February 22, 2019; Accepted: March 27, 2019; Prepublished online: March 27, 2019; Published: November 1, 2017  Show citation