Complicated atopic dermatitis in a healthy infant: Homemade walnut cream

Abstract

Key Clinical MessageHealthcare providers should educate patients on the appropriate use of topical agents and the potential risks associated with non-standardized formulations, especially for infants and young children.AbstractComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an unconventional treatment method used alongside or in addition to conventional medical treatment methods to improve the healing process. Inappropriate administration of CAM can worsen the condition of diseases and have potential hazards for patients. Herbal therapy is one of the most famous and widely used CAMs in treating various skin disorders. In this case, we report a 4-month-old girl with atopic dermatitis who demonstrates ulceronecrotic lesions on her face and extremities besides sepsis 3 days after a walnut's homemade cream consumption. She was treated with intravenous clindamycin and wet-to-dry dressing to remove the scabs. This case report shows the potentially hazardous effects of misused traditional and homemade herbal therapy. It highlighted the need to pay particular attention when CAMs are used, especially for infants and young children.