Second degree burn to mustard powder.
Mustard seeds and powder are commonly used inhomeopathic and traditional medicines, in whichthey are believed to have both anti-microbial andanti-inflammatory properties. They are thereforeutilized in the treatment of conditions ranging fromarthritis to respiratory congestion. Herein, we presenta patient with a second degree burn who usedmustard powder in the form of a mustard plasterto treat chest congestion. She experienced seconddegree burn wounds to the lower neck and chest, andrecovery with complete re-epithelialization followingtopical silver sulfadiazine, liberal emollient therapy,and triamcinolone ointment. This case highlightsthe potential danger of inappropriate use of topicalhomeopathic remedies such as mustard powder anddetails a successful treatment regimen.
Danielle M
DM
Tartar
Department of Dermatology, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA. vsharon@ucdavis.edu.
Victoria R
VR
Sharon
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004643:Emollients / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009149:Mustard Plant; D009333:Neck; D012639:Seeds; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013909:Thorax; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004643:Emollients; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014221:Triamcinolone; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine