Pediatr Emerg Care. 1987 Dec; 3(4): 258-60.

Garlic burns: a naturopathic remedy gone awry.

Parish RA, McIntire S, Heimbach DM.

Departments of Pediatrics, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA.

We report the case of a child who sustained partial thickness burns from a garlic-petroleum jelly plaster, which had been applied at the direction of a naturopathic physician. A review of the literature reveals that "garlic burns" have not previously been reported, although medicinal properties of garlic have been investigated by physicians and biochemists. The pediatrician caring for children in an area where naturopathic medicine is routinely practiced should be aware of the potential side effects of plasters, poultices, and other "natural" remedies in children.