“Second-Degree Burn Following Topical Use of Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium): A Case Report”

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 koshk

2 School of Nursing, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences

3 Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences

10.30468/beyhagh.2026.1853

Abstract

This article presents a case report of a second-degree skin burn resulting from the topical application of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) in a 60-year-old patient. The patient had a history of chronic leg pain, functional limitation, and poor response to conventional pharmacological treatments. Following a relative’s recommendation, she applied a homemade poultice prepared from fresh pennyroyal leaves to the affected area, which subsequently led to severe inflammation, blister formation, and a deep second-degree burn on the lower leg. The report provides a detailed description of the treatment process, nursing care, follow-up of wound healing, and relevant clinical and laboratory evaluations related to inflammation and tissue injury. The findings highlight that unaware and unsupervised use of medicinal herbs may cause serious and unpredictable adverse effects. This study underscores the importance of patient education, community awareness about the safe use of herbal remedies, and the critical role of nurses in preventing injuries associated with self-medication using herbal preparations.

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