Facial eschar following a single application of black salve

Abstract

A previously healthy 86-year-old male was transported by ambulance to the trauma bay of the emergency department (ED) for profuse bleeding from the left temple. The ambulance crew raised concern that the volume and force of the bleed may suggest arterial involvement. The patient reported having applied a natural topical remedy to a mole two weeks prior at the recommendation of a naturopath. The patient described progressive blackening and swelling of the area in the days following the single application of the product. After gaining control of the bleeding in the ED, the area was found to have a raised, 2 cm eschar.

Keywords:

• Skin
• herbal
• black salve

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.