3 Legs Yellow Lotion

3 Legs Yellow Lotion, also sold as Three Legs Yellow Lotion and known locally as Cap Kaki Tiga Losyen Kuning, is a topical antiseptic solution from the Wen Ken brand. Its active ingredient is acriflavine at 0.1% w/v, an acridine dye that gives the solution its characteristic yellow-orange colour. It is a liquid for external application on the skin only and is not for swallowing or for use in the eyes.

This product belongs to the long-established yellow lotion group of topical antiseptics, and its only listed active ingredient is acriflavine. Despite the mention of prickly heat in some keyword lists, none of the manufacturer or pharmacy listings reviewed describe it as an anti-itch or heat rash product, and it does not contain calamine, an antihistamine or any antifungal ingredient. The other ingredients of the solution are not itemised in the sources reviewed, so please refer to the label printed on the bottle.

It is an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product that can be bought from pharmacies without needing a doctor’s prescription, and DoctorOnCall lists it in its OTC range. It is sold in 30 mL and 60 mL bottles, with the 60 mL bottle fitted with a dropper. Because acriflavine is a dye, the lotion can leave a yellow stain on skin, clothing, bandages and bedding, which is worth knowing before applying it.

• Wash your hands, then clean and dry the affected area of skin before applying the lotion.
• Apply the solution to the area using the dropper (60 mL bottle) or a clean cotton ball or sterile gauze, as directed on the pack.
• Apply 2 to 3 times a day, or as directed on the pack or by your pharmacist. Some retailers list once or twice daily, so follow the label of the pack you receive.
• Allow the area to dry, and cover with a plaster or bandage only if needed. Expect the dressing to be stained yellow.
• Use a fresh piece of cotton or gauze each time and do not touch the dropper tip to the skin, to avoid contaminating the bottle.
• For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, and close the cap tightly after each use.

For external use on the skin only; there is no oral dose. The directions that appear on manufacturer and pharmacy listings are to clean and dry the affected area and apply the solution 2 to 3 times a day. Use only the amount needed to cover the area, and do not use more often than directed. For infants and young children, apply under adult supervision and ask a pharmacist before use over larger areas. Stop use and see a doctor or pharmacist if the skin becomes more irritated, if the problem does not improve after a few days, or if it gets worse.

Use the lotion before the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer carton. Check this date and the batch number before use, and do not use the solution after its expiry date or if the colour or clarity has noticeably changed. Refer to the pack label for any period of use after the bottle has been opened.

Store below 30°C and protect from light, as stated on the pack. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and keep it out of the reach and sight of children, since the coloured liquid can be mistaken for a drink. Do not use the solution if the bottle is leaking or the contents have become cloudy or have changed odour.

• Common: Yellow-orange staining of the skin and of clothing, bandages and bedding that come into contact with the lotion.
• Common: Mild, brief stinging or irritation at the application site, particularly on broken skin.
• Serious: An allergic skin reaction such as spreading redness, rash, swelling, blistering or severe itching, which needs prompt review by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Serious: Signs of a more general allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or dizziness, which need emergency medical care.
• Serious: Swallowing the lotion or getting it in the eyes, which needs urgent medical advice.

• Do not use if you are allergic to acriflavine or to any other ingredient of the solution.
• Do not use in or near the eyes, inside the mouth or nose, or on other mucous membranes.
• Do not swallow; this product is for external use only.
• Do not use on deep puncture wounds, animal or human bites, or severe burns without medical assessment.

• No clinically significant drug or food interactions were found in the sources reviewed for this product when it is applied to the skin as directed.
• Tell your pharmacist if you are using any other medicine or product on the same area of skin, so that suitability can be checked.

• Wear old clothing or cover the area with a dressing you do not mind staining, as the lotion leaves a yellow mark.
• Keep the lotion away from the eyes and mouth, and wash your hands after applying it.
• Use a fresh piece of cotton or gauze for every application instead of dipping a used piece back into the bottle.
• Check that the bottle is tightly closed after use and stored away from light and heat.
• Keep the bottle out of children’s reach, because the bright liquid can look like a drink.
• Check the label of the pack you receive for the recommended number of applications per day.

Precautions: For external use only. Avoid the eyes and mucous membranes and do not use on large areas of broken skin, deep wounds or severe burns without medical advice. Ask a pharmacist before use in infants, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is limited detailed information on these groups in the sources reviewed. Acriflavine stains skin and fabric yellow. Keep out of reach of children.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor or pharmacist if the skin shows signs of worsening infection such as spreading redness, increasing pain, swelling, warmth or pus, if there is a rash or irritation that develops after use, or if there is no improvement after a few days. Seek immediate medical help for deep wounds, bites, large burns, swallowing of the lotion, contact with the eyes, or any sign of a severe allergic reaction.