The impact of herbal medicines on dermatologic surgery

Background. In recent years herbal medicines and supplements have become in creasingly popular. With their increased popularity, more publications are warning about the potential harmful effects of some of these products. Objective. To present scientific evidence of the benefits and surgical risk s of herbal products. Methods. A Medline search and review of the literature was performed. Results. Many herbal medicines are relevant in dermatologic surgery since G inkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, ginseng, feverfew, and vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding, and ephedra may potentiate the side effects of epine phrine. Conclusion. Dermatologists should be aware of these herbal products and the ir uses. Many of these products prescribed by alternative medicine physicia ns or purchased over the counter should be discontinued prior to dermatolog ic surgery to minimize the risk of surgical complications.