Chinese herbal creams may contain steroids

Patients with eczema often report success with Chinese herbal creams. Keane et al (p 563) decided to analyse the content of creams used by their patients and found that most contained dexamethasone in various concentrations. The preparations were often supplied in unlabelled containers without clear instructions. The authors call for closer regulation of herbal medicines to ensure adequate labelling and to prevent dispensing of unlicensed products in the guise of herbal treatments.


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Relevant Article

Analysis of Chinese herbal creams prescribed for dermatological conditions
F M Keane, S E Munn, A W P du Vivier, N F Taylor, and E M Higgins
BMJ 1999 318: 563-564. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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