Burns Due to Application of Raw Garlic to the Feet as a Home Remedy for Fever.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Single clinical case report
PubMed 30702643 · doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000001714
What was done
A case report describing unintentional burn injury to the feet of a 15-month-old child after application of raw garlic as a home remedy for fever, along with an overview of garlic's medicinal uses and adverse effects.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative measurements. It describes the occurrence of burns following raw garlic application and discusses the need to distinguish cultural practice injuries from non-accidental trauma or abuse.
Why it matters
It demonstrates that topical raw garlic application can cause chemical burns in young children and reminds emergency clinicians to consider cultural remedies when evaluating unusual burn patterns.
Limits
Single case report (n = 1) without quantitative clinical details (exposure duration, burn degree, or healing time) in the abstract. It cannot establish incidence, dose-response, or generalize across broader populations.
Cited by
- context Applying crushed garlic to the foot allows allicin to penetrate the skin barrier and enter systemic circulation such that it can be tasted on the tongue.