Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

¹Düzce Ãœniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dermatoloji Anabilim Dalı, DÃœZCE
²Bitlis Devlet Hastanesi Plastik Cerrahi, BÄ°TLÄ°S
³Bitlis Devlet Hastanesi Dermatoloji, BÄ°TLÄ°S People in our country, especially the geriatric population, might use alternative phytotherapies topically for their rheumatoid diseases. Buttercup (Ranunculus) is a plant family that grows in cold climates. It is especially prevalent in our country's Eastern Anatolian region. When it is damaged, it secretes protoanemonin, which is responsible for the plant's strong irritating side effects. This toxin exists mostly in the flowery part of the plant and its contact with the skin causes subepidermal splitting. Herein we present a case of severe irritant phytocontact dermatitis that began after an 81-year-old female used a mixture consisting of newly blossomed buttercup flowers for her rheumatoid disease. Unconscious use of plant extracts whose effects and side effects are not totally clear could cause serious side effects, and even death. Keywords : Aged; Dermatitis, Irritant; Ranunculus