Citation

Tartar DM, Sharon VR. Dermatol. Online J. 2017; 23(1).

Affiliation

Department of Dermatology, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA. vsharon@ucdavis.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, University of California at Davis)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

28329477

Abstract

Mustard seeds and powder are commonly used in homeopathic and traditional medicines, in which they are believed to have both anti-microbial andanti-inflammatory properties. They are therefore utilized in the treatment of conditions ranging from arthritis to respiratory congestion. Herein, we present a patient with a second degree burn who used mustard powder in the form of a mustard plaster to treat chest congestion. She experienced second degree burn wounds to the lower neck and chest, and recovery with complete re-epithelialization following topical silver sulfadiazine, liberal emollient therapy, and triamcinolone ointment. This case highlights the potential danger of inappropriate use of topical homeopathic remedies such as mustard powder and details a successful treatment regimen.

Language: en