Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 8, 2026

A Standardized Procedure of Dressing Management for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Published on: March 14, 2025
Black salve and bloodroot extract in dermatologic conditions
Jennifer L Hou, Jerry D Brewer1
1Division of Dermatologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. brewer.jerry@mayo.edu.
Abstract:
Due to extensive advertising of black salve's effectiveness in "curing" skin cancers and healing other skin conditions, many patients are turning to self-treating with black salve. Although black salve has not been proven to have anticancer properties, application of black salve has been shown to cause damage to healthy tissue and the need for further treatment. We describe a 35-year-old woman whose one-time application of black salve to a healing biopsy site resulted in skin erosion and formation of a dermatitic plaque with subsequent scarring. Dermatologists and other health professionals need to be aware of this increasingly popular product to be able to better inform and treat their patients.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Acne Infection

