In a message dated 12/12/98 8:05:30 PM Central Standard Time,
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<< I also think that gentian violet can be used longer than three days, which
 seems to have gotten into the mythology. Dr. Jack Newman>>

I think part of the reason for this "restriction" is that the gentian violet
contains alcohol.   Not myth, just the facts.
The over-the-counter Gentian Violet  topical solution 1% contains 10% Ethyl
Alcohol as a preservative!
Wines are 10-14% alcohol
Beers are 3-8% alcohol.
Ethyl alcohol is a gastrointestinal tract irritant and may cause repeated
vomiting and hematemeis (vomiting blood).  I don't guess I need to describe
alcohol "poisoning" for most of us, eh?  <g>
Perhaps we should check blood alcohol levels on infants treated with Gentian
Violet for longer than 3-4 days.......but then again, perhaps we would not
want to see the results either, eh?
Andrew MD FAAP "who does not prescribe beer nor wine to infants"
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