For patients with eczema, a Condy’s crystals (also called Potassium Permanganate) bath can be used to reduce the bacterial load on the skin which can be contributing to recurrent flare ups and infection. It can also be useful to reduce bacteria in healing wounds.

Condy’s crystals also has some anti-fungal properties. It can be drying, and this property can be useful for weeping eczema or wounds.

It can stain porcelain bathtubs, and with prolonged use it may also stain fingernails and toenails a dark brown. This isn’t medically harmful, but some people may find it cosmetically concerning.

An alternative is bleach baths, which is additionally anti-inflammatory and will not stain bath tubs or nails. Find instructions on that here.

Condys Bath’s for Infections and Eczema

Condys crystals dissolving in water

Condys crystals dissolving in water

Light pink condy's crystals solution appropriate for baths

Light pink condy's crystals solution appropriate for baths

Darker pink condy's crystals solution appropriate for wounds

Darker pink condy's crystals solution appropriate for wounds

Condy’s crystals bath instructions

  • Purchase condys crystals (potassium permanganate) at your regular pharmacist

  • Make a solution of potassium permanganate, fill the bath with water and add a small pinch of condys crystals

  • The water should turn a very light pink. If hot pink/purple, empty half the tub and refill with water.

  • 1-2 caps of QV bath oil can also be added

  • Pat dry (do not rinse)

  • This can be done once or twice a week, or more frequently if the skin has an active infection.

Please see an instructional video at the Queensland Children’s Hospital website

Condy’s Crystals bathing for the lower legs

Condy’s crystals can also be used to the lower legs in venous eczema or lower leg wounds- instead of making up a bath use a white bucket and soak the leg in the bucket for 15 minutes. Pat dry, and this can be done daily for active ulcers or 2-3 times a week for eczena to the lower legs

Condy’s crystals for healing wounds

For smaller lesions such as cuts, abrasions, or healing skin cancer excisions, the condys crystals solution can be made up in a small cup, a clean makeup round or cotton ball can be soaked into this solution, and then placed on the skin for 15 minutes.

What if I don’t have a bath?

Microshield 2 Chlorhexidine Skin Cleanser or phisohex wash can also be used as antibacterial agents in the shower.