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Meds & supplements  ›  Gentian violet

Medicine

Gentian violet

For external treatment of abrasions and minor cuts.

Drug FactsLabel updated 2025-10-20

Selected manufacturer label information, organised into consistent sections by Sofidex. Read the full label at DailyMed ↗

Drug facts

Used for
How to take it
  • clean the affected area
  • apply a small amount of this product to the area using the enclosed applicator or a cotton-tipped applicator 1 to 2 times daily
  • do not bandage
Do not take if
For external use only

What it is used for

First aid to help prevent infection in minor:

  • cuts
  • scrapes
  • burns
  • insect bites

How to take it

  • clean the affected area
  • apply a small amount of this product to the area using the enclosed applicator or a cotton-tipped applicator 1 to 2 times daily
  • do not bandage

While you are taking it

  • do not use in or near the eyes or over large areas of the body
  • do not apply to an ulcerative lesion as this may result in tattooing of the skin

Side effects, and when to stop

  • redness, irritation, swelling or pain persists or increases, or if infection or rash occurs
  • symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or clear up and occur again within a few days

Who should not take it

For external use only

Keeping it away from children

KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Active ingredient

Gentian violet 1%

Consult a doctor before use if you have

  • deep or puncture wounds
  • animal bites
  • serious burns

Other information

  • medication will stain skin and clothing

Cite this page

NLM

sofidex [Internet]. Daloreum; c2026. Gentian violet; [reviewed 2026 Aug 2; cited 2026 Nov 10]. Available from: https://sofidex.com/patients/medicines/gentian-violet

APA 7th

sofidex. (2026, August 2). Gentian violet. Daloreum. Retrieved November 10, 2026, from https://sofidex.com/patients/medicines/gentian-violet

AMA 11th

Gentian violet. sofidex. Reviewed August 2, 2026. Accessed November 10, 2026. https://sofidex.com/patients/medicines/gentian-violet

The cited date is today’s, because a citation records when you read the page. The reviewed date is when a clinician last checked it.