(Analysis of Chinese herbal creams prescribed for dermatological conditions)
In this week's BMJ Dr Fiona Keane and colleagues from King's College Hospital, London report that some Chinese herbal remedies may not be as ‘natural' as they seem and that closer regulation of herbal medicines is required.
In their study of Chinese herbal remedies obtained by patients for the treatment of dermatological conditions, Keane et al found that eight of the eleven creams tested contained a prescription only steroid (Dexamethasone) - the prescription of which by unauthorised people is illegal in the UK. Furthermore the concentration of the steroid in the creams prescribed for children was 5.2 times higher than in those prescribed for adults and the concentrations used in all eight was inappropriate for use on the face. No warnings about the side effects of using such potent steroids inappropriately or on thin skin, such as the face, was given to any of the patients.
Keane and colleagues recognise that their study is based on a small sample in one area of London, however, they conclude that their findings suggest a need for greater regulation and restriction to be imposed on herbalists and that continuous monitoring of the side effects of such medications is urged.
Contact:
Dr Fiona Keane, Specialist Registrar in Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital, London FionaKeane99@hotmail.com