To review the use of
gentian violet 1% (GV) in a
long-term care facility for the treatment of small, open
wounds and extremity eschars of all sizes and thickness. The records of all the patients receiving topical GV
therapy over a period of 1 year, from May 19, 2007 - May 19, 2008 were reviewed. The total sample was 70 patients (38 male, 32 female), average age 65.9 y.o., with 111
wounds (41 patients had >1
wound). The types of
wounds were divided into 3 categories: 1) Split-thickness scabs (N = 37) limited to the epithelium, 2) full-thickness eschars and
wounds with no depth <1 cm (N = 50), and 3) full-thickness eschars >1 cm located on the lower extremity (average 3.3 cm in diameter [N = 24]). All the
wounds had been treated the same: topical application of GV to the
wounds daily. None of the patients had any documented adverse events to the GV. Out of the 111
wounds, 103 healed completely. All
wounds remained negative for
cellulitis. 1) GV is a viable alternative topical agent for healing small, superficial
wounds, ineffective scabs, and both small and large
pressure ulcer eschars on lower extremities of geriatric patients, 2) there was very little evidence of
scarring with the use of GV.