Abstract

MARTINEZ PADRON, Adolfo; PALMERO ALVAREZ, Rafael; GOMEZ ZAYAS, Omar  and  DOMINGUEZ SARDINAS, Norma. Deep cutaneous necrosis caused by the local application of Piper aurifum Kunth. (caisimón de anis) leaves. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.2, pp. 209-215. ISSN 1028-4796.

Introduction: Piper aurifum Kunth. (caisimón de anis) is one of the most used plants traditionally in Cuba because of its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing properties. Objectives: to report a clinical case suffering from an adverse reaction caused by self-medication with Piper aurifum leaves. Methods: the medical literature and the medical history of a female patient, who was seen at "Dr Miguel Enríquez" university hospital plastic surgery and burn treatment service, were reviewed. Results: the case of a patient who suffered lesions from hypodermic burns caused by the wrong application of P. aurifum leaves on the breast skin was presented. It was necessary to use laminar skin autografts of average partial thickness to cure the lesions, with satisfactory results. Conclusions: it is important that specialists provide appropriate instructions about the use of medicinal plants.

Keywords : cutaneous necrosis; burns; Piper aurifum; case report; adverse reaction; medicinal plants.

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