Self-treatment of a basal cell carcinoma with "black and yellow salve".

Osswald, Sandra S; Elston, Dirk M; Farley, Mary F; Alberti, John G; Cordero, Steven C; Kalasinsky, Victor F · J Am Acad Dermatol · 2005

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

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.

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