"Use of banana leaves in Stevens-Johnson syndrome." - GreenMedInfo Summary
Use of banana leaves in Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Pediatr Dermatol. 1994 Sep ;11(3):280-1. PMID: 7971569
Vitasearch summary: This letter to the editor comments on the role of banana leaves and the treatment of skin eruptions from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. The author notes that over the last 4 years they have used banana leaves as a sheet to lay on, and as a covering for denuded areas in individuals with these skin conditions. The rationale is that banana leaves do not stick to the skin; this prevents partially denuded areas from being peeled off. Blistering is reduced. Banana leaves are also very clean; they were effective in preventing secondary infections of the skin surfaces in all 8 of the patients with whom this technique was used. The author notes that this technique has been used in a hospital, but the historical/geographical origin of the therapy is not known. In the southern regions of India it is believed that banana leaves are more hygienic than plates, therefore meals are served on them.