Blistering Bulbs: The Hidden Dangers of Garlic as a Home Remedy

TL;DR

A man suffered a chemical burn from using crushed garlic as a home remedy, showing that even natural treatments can be harmful.

Contribution

This case presents a rare and rapid garlic-induced chemical burn, emphasizing the need for caution with home remedies.

Findings

Crushed garlic caused a second-degree chemical burn on the patient's wrist.

The burn presented as two large bullae without fluid leakage, an uncommon rapid progression.

The case underscores the risks of using unregulated home remedies like garlic.

Abstract

We report a case of a 46-year-old male who developed a second-degree chemical burn after application of crushed raw garlic to his left wrist. When crushed, garlic activates the enzyme alliinase that converts alliin into allicin. In controlled concentrations, allicin has been shown to have a wide array of therapeutic benefits; however, its use as an unregulated home remedy carries a significant risk of toxicity. This patient applied crushed garlic to his left wrist and left this poultice in place for five hours, hoping to ease wrist pain from a previous car accident. Upon removal, he felt an intense burning sensation and noticed significant blistering. In the emergency department, two large intact bullae were noted with no interstitial fluid leakage. While garlic-induced chemical burns are a recognized entity, this case highlights an uncommon and more rapidly evolving presentation than those previously described. This case report highlights the importance of proper patient education regarding the potential risks of seemingly benign at-home remedies.

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