A while back Lactnet discussed this at length. Correct me if I'm wrong, but
didn't we find out that the ALL over the counter gentian violet in the U.S.
is alcohol based? Hence the tendency toward ulceration of the mouth and
throat and our hesitation in using it.
I have seen huge ulcers on the tongue, palate and throat after gentian violet
use. In all the cases of ulceration I have seen, the mother was applying
gentian violet solution more than once a day.
 I also remember someone commenting that the pharmacy can mix a water based
solution. Would it need to be prescribed before the pharmacy can make it?
Marie Davis, RN, IBCLC