The use of herbal remedies in chronic skin diseases

Abstract EN

Two hundred and thirty five patients with twelve chronic skin diseases ivere questionedfor their use of herbal products during the period from December 1999 to March 2000.

One hundred and nine (46.4 %) of them werefound to have used herbalproduct at least once during their illness.

The products were not costy but with little benefit.

Most of the users were oldfemales who were illiterate.

The duration of illness seems to be important deteminant for use of these products.

Ointment, usually of unknown composition, was the main prescription of herbalists.

In conclusion, the use of herbal products by patients with chronic skin diseases is a common practice inspite of their limited benefit.

The failure of conventional drugs in treatment of chronic skin diseases was the most important factor that determine the use of herbal remedtes.