The impact of herbal medicines on dermatologic surgery.
BACKGROUND
In recent years herbal medicines and supplements have become increasingly popular. With their increased popularity, more publications are warning about the potential harmful effects of some of these products.


OBJECTIVE
To present scientific evidence of the benefits and surgical risks of herbal products.


METHODS
A Medline search and review of the literature was performed.


RESULTS
Many herbal medicines are relevant in dermatologic surgery since Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, ginseng, feverfew, and vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding, and ephedra may potentiate the side effects of epinephrine.


CONCLUSIONS
Dermatologists should be aware of these herbal products and their uses. Many of these products prescribed by alternative medicine physicians or purchased over the counter should be discontinued prior to dermatologic surgery to minimize the risk of surgical complications.
Chang
L K
LK
Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1090, USA.
Whitaker
D C
DC
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D003880:Dermatology; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced