Hi Fiona,
Thanks for your e mail on the use of Genetian Violet.  I rang up the
King Edward pharmacy drug information service today and spoke to the
pharmacist, Judy Christianson there.  Judy told me that yes they
definately do not recommend the use of genetian violet and gave me a
whole ream of side effects in humans including mucus membrane
irritation and tracheitis (??spelling).  She was able to fax the
information to me, but my fax machine is not working at present.  She
was quoting out of Martin Dale, the British Parmacopia, her bible she
said.  Judy did say that it is used for marking of incision lines
still but she would not recommend its use in any other capacity.  I
told her that I would pass this information on to you in case you
wanted to contact her.  I presume you have the number for the centre,
if not let me know.
Val
RN RM IBCLC