Dyes in dermatology

The antiseptic dyes used for many years as antimicrobial agents are synthetically derived and belong to the following different chemical groups: (1) acridine dyes: proflavine, aminoacridine, ethacridine, and panflavine; (2) triphenylmethane dyes: gentian violet, brilliant green, malachite green, and fuchsine; (3) phenothiazine dyes: methylene blue, and toluidine blue; (4) azo-dyes: congorot, trypan blue, and trypan red; and (5) fluorescence dyes: fluorescein. Synthetic organic dyes, such as the triphenylmethane derivatives gentian violet and brilliant green, are among the most commonly used antibacterial agents.