Herbalism in wound care: A case of garlic burn.

Wound care is an important aspect of patient counseling after skin biopsies. The methods commonly used promote maintenance of a clean, insulated, moist wound surface with application of plain petrolatum or topical antibiotic ointment under a bandage. Recently, investigators explored the scientific evidence for alternative, herbal-based topicals, such as a 30% garlic ointment.1 When used in appropriate concentrations, such treatments can be medically efficacious. As some patients may prefer and attempt herbal wound care due to cultural background or beliefs, physicians should be aware of such practices and the associated benefits/risks. Here, we highlight a case of cultural influence on a patient's post-biopsy care causing localized garlic burn, and briefly discuss the scientific data pertaining to cutaneous application of garlic.