Delayed diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris in rural Nepal due to healthcare inaccessibility and harmful traditional practices: A case report.

Early intervention is imperative for potentially fatal dermatologic diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris. In rural Nepal, limited public awareness, home remedies, and delays in healthcare access lead to poor outcomes. Although biopsy confirms the diagnosis, experienced dermatologists can make an accurate clinical diagnosis when characteristic skin lesions are present.

Witchcraft allegations and untouchability as forms of violence upon women in Nepal: A 7-year study.

The Nepalese constitution guarantees equal rights to both men and women regardless of caste, race, or ethnicity. However, the centuries-old superstitious practice of caste-based hierarchy in the Hindu community and discrimination against people of lower caste are still prevalent. Furthermore, witchcraft allegations are also not uncommon. Both these practices are derogatory and humiliating and violate human rights, and the law can penalise them in both instances. Due to the intersection of gender and caste, women often face multiple forms of discrimination and violence as the patriarchal society considers them a weaker gender. The present study aimed to see the trend of crimes upon women reported by Nepal Police in the form of witchcraft allegations and untouchability between the fiscal years 2013/14 and 2019/20.

Garlic-induced face burn.

There is inadequate research and study into the use of garlic and other herbal medicine in clinical practice; accordingly, the general population should be cautious when using such complementary and herbal treatments. We report a case which highlights the potential complications following the application of garlic-related naturopathic remedies mostly on skin burns.

Accusations of witchcraft: A form of violence against women in Nepal.

Accusations of witchcraft and witch-hunting activities remain serious problems in Nepal, where many women are subjected to violence or torture following accusation and persecution. Many experience serious physical and mental injury, and some die. However, most of these incidents are not reported because women and their families fear reprisals. Poverty, systemic gender inequality and weak state laws provide a context in which this behaviour occurs. Allegations of witchcraft will, however, not be fully eradicated without improvements in education and legal safeguards.