Self-treatment of a basal cell carcinoma with "black and yellow salve".
Patients may seek "alternative" or "non-traditional" therapies for dermatologic problems, frequently in search of a miraculous cure. However, many of these medicaments contain unknown compounds with questionable benefit and a potential for significant harm. We describe a patient who developed a large ulceration on her nose after applying "black and yellow salves" obtained from Mexico in an attempt to self-treat a basal cell carcinoma.
Osswald
Sandra S
SS
Department of Dermatology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234, USA.
Elston
Dirk M
DM
Farley
Mary F
MF
Alberti
John G
JG
Cordero
Steven C
SC
Kalasinsky
Victor F
VF
D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009824:Ointments; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced*
D009824:Ointments