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How Concerned Should I Be From This Exposure To A Possibly Carcinogen Substance ?
Posted on
Sun, 12 Jul 2020
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 12 Jul 2020
Answered on
Mon, 1 Sep 2025
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello Doctors.
I have a worry about a resent one time exposure to a possibly carcinogen substance
I asked my local pharmacist if there was an over the counter remedy for a persistent dry mouth. He suggested gentian violet for oral thrush.
I applied a very small amount to the bottom gums and tongue. The amount was surely less than 0.5ml of a 1% solution in water and ethanol. I did not swallow any of it.
After seeing it turned my mouth purple. I immediately rinsed my mouth with salt water and vinegar and brushed my teeth and tongue 2 times to rid myself of most of the noticeable staining. I noticed some residual purple stain when I spit for a few hours after.
I’m now very concerned learning that this is a possible carcinogen in animal testing. I’m concerned about the amount that was absorbed through the skin or trace amounts ingested.
How concerned should i be from this exposure? My apologies if this is not a concern but the incident is impacting my daily life and I’m extremely concerned that this exposure may have a serious health consequence.
Thank you for your time today.
I have a worry about a resent one time exposure to a possibly carcinogen substance
I asked my local pharmacist if there was an over the counter remedy for a persistent dry mouth. He suggested gentian violet for oral thrush.
I applied a very small amount to the bottom gums and tongue. The amount was surely less than 0.5ml of a 1% solution in water and ethanol. I did not swallow any of it.
After seeing it turned my mouth purple. I immediately rinsed my mouth with salt water and vinegar and brushed my teeth and tongue 2 times to rid myself of most of the noticeable staining. I noticed some residual purple stain when I spit for a few hours after.
I’m now very concerned learning that this is a possible carcinogen in animal testing. I’m concerned about the amount that was absorbed through the skin or trace amounts ingested.
How concerned should i be from this exposure? My apologies if this is not a concern but the incident is impacting my daily life and I’m extremely concerned that this exposure may have a serious health consequence.
Thank you for your time today.
Brief Answer:
No need to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
There is no need to be worried since gentian violet is commonly used in many bacterial and fungal infections and there is no evidence that it is cancerous in humans. Second, on this way, only negligible amount of solution could be absorbed so it won't cause any systemic effect. So, you have no reason to be concerned at all. Wish you good health. Regards
No need to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
There is no need to be worried since gentian violet is commonly used in many bacterial and fungal infections and there is no evidence that it is cancerous in humans. Second, on this way, only negligible amount of solution could be absorbed so it won't cause any systemic effect. So, you have no reason to be concerned at all. Wish you good health. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you doctor. Do you have any concern about the study showing it caused cancer in mice? Is it tre that some substances can cause cancer after one exposure? I am concerned.
Brief Answer:
no
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
No, I dont have any concerns. If you look at animal studies than more than 50% of medications and ointments may have cancerous effect, but there is usually lack of clear evidence for it. ALso, if something is widely used in humans, then its cancerous effect may be easily proved. In gentian violet, this is not case. Even if it is toxic, such small dosage would not do anythin. So just dont think about this. trust me, more cancerogenic substances are ingested through food and pollution in comparison with medications which go through very strict steps of approval and accreditaion. So ,just forget it, it will be fine.
no
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
No, I dont have any concerns. If you look at animal studies than more than 50% of medications and ointments may have cancerous effect, but there is usually lack of clear evidence for it. ALso, if something is widely used in humans, then its cancerous effect may be easily proved. In gentian violet, this is not case. Even if it is toxic, such small dosage would not do anythin. So just dont think about this. trust me, more cancerogenic substances are ingested through food and pollution in comparison with medications which go through very strict steps of approval and accreditaion. So ,just forget it, it will be fine.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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