A Case of Irritant Contact Dermatitis due to Garlic

Garlic has been employed for thousands of years in virtually all cultures for the prevention and the treatment of a wide variety of ailments such as parasitic and fungal infections, chest pain and rheumatism. However, garlic may cause the allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. We experienced a case of irritant contact dermatitis on both legs after external application of garlic. The patient was treated successfully with systemic steroid and wet dressing. We insist the practice of direct application of fresh garlic onto the skin for treating infections should be discouraged.