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.
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- 1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cancer in Australia 2010: an overview. Canberra: AIHW, 2010. (AIHW Cat. No. 56; Cancer Series No. 60.) https://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/ ?id=6442472459 (accessed Feb 2014).
- 2. Cancer Council Australia; Australian Cancer Network. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (and related lesions) — a guide to clinical management in Australia. Sydney: CCA, ACN, 2008. http://www.cancer.org.au/content/pdf/HealthProfessionals/ClinicalGuidelines/Basal_cell_carcinoma_Squamous_cell_carcinoma_Guide_Nov_2008-Final_with_Corrigendums.pdf (accessed Mar 2014).
- 3. Australian Government Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration. Black and red salves in treating cancer. 19 March 2012. http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-black-salve-120203.htm (accessed Sep 2013).
- 4. Jellinek N, Maloney ME. Escharotic and other botanical agents for the treatment of skin cancer: a review. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005; 53: 487-495.
- 5. Eastman KL, McFarland LV, Raugi GJ. Buyer beware: a black salve caution. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011; 65: e154-e155.
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