Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, and they are very common among women. According to WomensHealth.gov, 75 percent of all women will suffer from a vaginal yeast infection at least one time in their life. Another type of yeast infection, called thrush, occurs in the mouth. This is very common among infants and can also affect the nipples of breastfeeding mothers. Gentian violet is used to treat yeast infections, especially cases of thrush. If you believe you have a yeast infection or thrush, consult with your physician for treatment.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
A vaginal yeast infection is caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vagina and vulva. Small amounts of this fungus are normal, but there are times when an overgrowth will occur. It is common for this overgrowth to occur on certain medications like antibiotics. Diseases such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS can also increase your risk of yeast infections. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include burning or redness of the vagina, painful urination, pain during sexual intercourse, and a thick white vaginal discharge that can look like cottage cheese. If you have these symptoms, it is important for you to talk to your doctor. Many different sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, can produce similar symptoms, so these diseases will need to be ruled out.
Thrush or Oral Yeast Infections
Thrush is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. It infects the mucus membranes in the mouth and on the tongue. While thrush is most common in infants, it can affect adults who are taking steroid medications, those with HIV/AIDS, diabetics, and patients receiving chemotherapy or who are generally in poor health. Thrush causes whitish, velvety lesions in the mouth and on the tongue, and it can cause a sore throat and open sores. In infants, it will generally go away on its own within two weeks and is not always treated. If you are an adult and suspect you have thrush, consult with your doctor immediately. Untreated thrush can spread into your esophagus, brain, heart, joints or eyes, and it can cause serious medical complications.
Gentian Violet
Gentian violet is a medication used to treat yeast infections and thrush, and it comes in two different forms. Gentian violet in its liquid solution form is designed to treat thrush in the mouth and on the nipples of breastfeeding mothers. The solution is applied with a cotton swab to the mouth or nipples, two to three times a day for an average of three days, or until the thrush is treated. For treatment of vaginal yeast infections, gentian violet comes in gentian violet tampons designed to be directly inserted into the vagina. While treatment and dosage will vary between patients, the standard dose is one tampon inserted one or two times a day for 12 consecutive days. The tampon needs to be left inside the vagina for three to four hours. Gentian violet is a dye and will cause staining of the skin and clothes, so you should use it with caution.
Medical Research
For oral thrush, gentian violet is the standard and most effective treatment; however, it is often not used because of its staining effects. Because of this, researchers in a study published in the May 2011 “European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases” looked at different concentrations of gentian violet that reduced the staining properties yet still showed effectiveness in treating oral thrush. They determined that a concentration of 0.00165 percent was enough to treat oral thrush effectively while not staining the mouths of patients.
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