National Hospital for Tropical Diseases warns of necrosis from self-treatment

The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases has issued warnings regarding severe soft tissue infections and necrosis resulting from improper self-treatment of minor wounds. Medical professionals report that applying crushed garlic, traditional herbal medicines, or unidentified substances to inflamed or open skin can break the body's natural protective barrier, allowing bacteria to penetrate deep into muscles and tissues.

One patient, a 65-year-old man with gout, applied crushed garlic and herbal medicine to a swollen knee to relieve pain. This led to rapid infection, high fever, and black necrotic patches, requiring intensive treatment. Another case involved a 47-year-old man who sustained minor scratches while cleaning debris; his attempt to self-treat at home before seeking hospital care resulted in septic shock, multi-organ failure, and pneumonia caused by Burkholderia bacteria.

Dr. Hoang Manh Ha, Head of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, emphasized that such practices can lead to life-threatening complications, including septic shock and the potential need for limb amputation to save the patient's life.