A hot-water extract of Sargassum hemiphyllum as the sole treatment for allergic contact dermatitis – A case report

Abstract

Introduction

Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment for contact dermatitis, but there is a practical need to provide alternatives to patients concerned about the safety of these drugs. Sargassum hemiphyllum, a very common brown macroalga found on coasts of the Greater China, has been shown to be an abundant source of anti-inflammatory substances.

Case description

Presented below is the use of a crude, S. hemiphyllum hot-water extract (SHHWE) as the sole treatment in a patient with widespread allergic contact dermatitis. A 47-year-old female beautician presented with widespread allergic contact dermatitis on upper abdomen. She refused corticosteroid therapy and preferred conservative, moisturizer-based treatments. The SHHWE was used as the sole moisturizer and the patient recovered uneventfully within 6 weeks without requiring any medications.

Conclusions

This case, for the first time, illustrates the feasibility of using a SHHWE as the main treatment for allergic contact dermatitis. Such extracts may be considered in these patients who opt for non-corticosteroid, symptomatic treatments under medical supervision.