Garlic burn injuries- a systematic review of reported cases

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#burns-chemical #garlic #humans #phytotherapy

Garlic burn injuries- a systematic review of reported cases

Hitl et al., 2021 | Am J Emerg Med | Systematic Review

Citation

Hitl Maja, Kladar Nebojša, ... Božin Biljana. Garlic burn injuries- a systematic review of reported cases. Am J Emerg Med. 2021-Jun;44:5-10. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2021.01.039

Abstract

Medicinal plants have many beneficial effects on human health. Garlic (Allium sativum, Alliaceae) is one of the most famous herbal species, used for various diseases and conditions. Unfortunately, garlic is also associated with adverse effects, including cutaneous manifestations. In this review, burn injuries caused by application of raw garlic are reported. Searching through PubMed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate, a total of 32 articles with 39 patients were found. Demographics of patients, reasons for garlic use, details on garlic application, as well as description of burns and its treatment are thoroughly described and discussed. In most of the cases, garlic caused second-degree burns, although some circumstances can cause formation of necrotic tissue. Various body parts were affected, legs being most common. The chemistry of garlic is also presented, with focus on volatile organic sulfur compounds, which also seem to be responsible for burns formation. Treatment of garlic burns was mainly symptomatic, and various types of drugs were used. Although not commonly expected, garlic should be taken into consideration as causative agents of burns by treating doctors, and patients should be advised against application of fresh garlic onto skin and mucosa.

Key Findings

Although not commonly expected, garlic should be taken into consideration as causative agents of burns by treating doctors, and patients should be advised against application of fresh garlic onto skin and mucosa.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 39
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Burns, Chemical
  • Garlic
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: garlic

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09