Traditional medicinal systems are widely practiced in the Indian subcontinent for a wide variety of diseases. We aimed to identify the various
home remedies used by people to treat numerous pediatric
dermatoses. It was an observational study carried out over 18 months in which 150 children attending our clinics were recruited. A detailed history regarding the various indigenous preparations used was taken from caregivers and noted in a proforma. A total of 150 children (M:F-89:61) aged between 4 months to 18 years were included.
Atopic dermatitis and
eczema (n = 28) were the most common
dermatoses whereas the most common
home remedies used for these either solo or in combination were
coconut oil (13),
olive oil (11), mustard oil (7), aloevera gel (6),
ghee (6), curd (4), and honey (2).
Acne was the second most common
dermatoses (n = 22), products used for
acne were
Fuller's earth, aloevera gel, turmeric, gram flour, mustard oil,
lime and sandalwood
paste. Other
dermatoses treated by indigenous products included
impetigo and other
bacterial infections,
seborrheic dermatitis,
dermatophytoses,
verruca, molluscum, hypopigmentary disorders, etc. In Indian setup,
home remedies are commonly used by the caregivers before visiting a dermatologist to treat various pediatric
dermatoses.