Self-treatment of a basal cell carcinoma with "black and yellow salve".

Patients may seek "alternative" or "non-traditional" therapies for dermatologic problems, frequently in search of a miraculous cure. However, many of these medicaments contain unknown compounds with questionable benefit and a potential for significant harm. We describe a patient who developed a large ulceration on her nose after applying "black and yellow salves" obtained from Mexico in an attempt to self-treat a basal cell carcinoma.