Medicinal plants used for the treatment of various skin disorders by a rural community in northern Maputaland, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Skin diseases have been of major concern recently due to their association with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunity Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). The study area (northern Maputaland) has the highest HIV infection rate in South Africa, which made them more prone to a wide range of skin conditions. Fungal infections due to the hot climate and overcrowding households are common in this area, as well as burn accidents due to the use of wood as the major fuel for cooking. It is known that the lay people in this area depend on medicinal plants for their primary health care. However no survey has been done in northern Maputaland to document the medicinal plants used to treat various skin disorder.

Methods

Interviews were undertaken at 80 homesteads,

SUBMITTER: De Wet H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3724715 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature