Alum salts question (also in veterinary)

[IncaCola]

Following advice on this forum I decided to try soaking gauze in alum salt solution and then sewing it on a bit for my horse to wear daily in an attempt to toughen up his mouth which splits very easily. However none of my local chemists could supply alum salts so I tried the internet (ebay) and found what was called Alum with a full name Aluminium Potassium Sulphate 12-hydrate 99.2% (potassium alum) However having received the tub the paperwork says that it is an irritant to eyes/skin and if ingested so I am now worried about using it on my horse. I have a feeling it is because it is a high strength (99.2%) and it may be ok diluted but wondered if anyone else out there knew or could point me to where I can buy alum salts that would definitely be safe to use. I have left a message for my vet, but if anyone else can help let me know!

 

[Hedwards]

I used alum bought from my local chemist when my horse split her mouth (heavy handed rider while i was away on holiday - i'll never make that mistake again!)

my EDT recommended it - its used for bedsores in people i believe. definitely did the job healing my mares mouth. i wonder if what you have from the internet is different - the crystals i had said to dilute and then apply to the 'affected' (bedsore) area, so shouldnt be an irritant... i soaked gauze and held it on her mouth for a few minutes a couple of times a day for a couple of weeks

 

[suzysparkle]

Have replied in veterinary, with a link where to get them from. I couldn't find in a chemist either.