Garlic burns

Abstract

A patient with a second-degree burn of the forehead, induced by topical application of crushed garlic is reported. The literature on garlic burns is reviewed.

A garlic burn

“…It is said to have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, larvacidal and diuretic properties 1. Currently, the herb is recommended by naturopathic practitioners to treat a variety of conditions by either ingestion or topical use in its crushed form.…”

Some nutritional and technological properties of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

“…The powerful and unusual flavors of many of these plants and their possible medical applications have attracted the attention of plant physiologists and chemists (Akgü l, 1993;Baytop, 1984;Carson, 1987;Graham & Graham, 1987;Parry, 1962). It has been cultivated for centuries all over the world on account of its culinary and medicinal properties (Baruchin, Sagi, Yoffe, & Ronen, 2001;Sharma & Prasad, 2001). Many of the spices and herbs used today were known to the people of the ancient cultures throughout the world, and they were valued for their preservative and medicinal powers as well as their flavor and odor qualities (Zaika, 1988).…”

Garlic (Allium sativumL.)

“…32 Case reports describe exposure to garlic with a variety of skin reactions including irritant contact dermatitis, 33 superfi cial and deep, partial -thickness chemical burns, 34,35 local urticaria, 36 photocontact allergies, 37 immediate hypersensitivity reactions, 38 and delayed hypersensitivity. Additionally, case reports document chopped garlic in soybean oil as a potential source of botulism.…”