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Use of unlicensed black salve for cutaneous malignancy

Natalie C Ong, Eric Sham and Brandon M Adams
Med J Aust 2014; 200 (6): . || doi: 10.5694/mja14.00041
Published online: 7 April 2014

To the Editor: The most frequently diagnosed cancers in Australia are non-melanoma skin cancers.1 Recommended treatments include surgical excision, radiotherapy and topical chemotherapy for in-situ lesions.2 There has been an increase in sales of lotions and salves that claim to eradicate skin lesions and promote removal of skin cancers. In 2012, the Therapeutic Goods Administration issued a public warning strongly advising patients against the use of red and black salves.3 We report a recent case illustrating the complications resulting from use of these unlicensed products.


  • Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD.



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No relevant disclosures.

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