CHENNAI: Two youngsters from Tondiarpet not too long ago implemented powdered seeds of custard apple on their scalp to battle lice and dandruff. A month later they had been presented as case studies in a medical journal - not to show the efficacy of this conventional cure but for its toxicity . Both of them - a 13-year-old girl and a 21-year-old lady - approached a town sanatorium with similar symptoms - red and watery eyes, swollen lids, and blurred vision. When ophthalmologist Dr Pratheeba Devi Nivean from M N Eye Hospital in Adyar went via their case historical past, it wasn't exhausting for her to pin the reason. "Use of powdered custard seeds to fight dandruff and lice is a common practice among certain communities," said Dr Nivean, who has seen at least 4 ladies record with toxicity led to by the powdered seeds. All of them had been from neighbourhoods in Tondiarpet and Royapuram.
Traditionally , the seeds are floor, combined with water and implemented at the scalp. Accidental touch with the eyes induces a condition called toxic keratoconjunctivitis within six to 12 hours of exposure. "The custard apple seeds contain certain naturally produced chemicals that affect cornea (the transparent front part of the eye)," explained Dr Malarkodi S from the sanatorium who was some of the treating medical doctors.
The staff referred to medical literature to see if such toxic effects had been reported in different parts of the rustic . "There has been little research on the subject. We found only one paper from Karnataka where six such cases were presented," said Dr Nivean.
Owing to poor awareness concerning the practice and the toxicity of the seeds, patients are prescribed steroids as medical doctors mistake the condition for viral keratoconjunctivitis, which show similar symptoms. Steroids aggravate the toxicity . The remedy of the women from Tondiarpet entailed scraping off the free outer layer of the cornea and patching the eyes with antibiotics and lubricants for around two days. "The cells that were removed regrew within a week," said Dr Malarkodi.
While the treated ladies wanted anonymity , TOI spoke to residents in Tondiarpet to learn the way prevalent the practice is. "We've been using custard seed paste for generations," said 77-year-old R Kannagi, who applies the paste continuously to her grandchildren."It is common here. We just have to ensure it doesn't get into their eyes," she said. A initial Google search additionally revealed more than a dozen pages recommending custard apple seed as a natural choice to struggle dandruff and lice. None had details of the unwanted side effects.
Traditionally , the seeds are floor, combined with water and implemented at the scalp. Accidental touch with the eyes induces a condition called toxic keratoconjunctivitis within six to 12 hours of exposure. "The custard apple seeds contain certain naturally produced chemicals that affect cornea (the transparent front part of the eye)," explained Dr Malarkodi S from the sanatorium who was some of the treating medical doctors.
The staff referred to medical literature to see if such toxic effects had been reported in different parts of the rustic . "There has been little research on the subject. We found only one paper from Karnataka where six such cases were presented," said Dr Nivean.
Owing to poor awareness concerning the practice and the toxicity of the seeds, patients are prescribed steroids as medical doctors mistake the condition for viral keratoconjunctivitis, which show similar symptoms. Steroids aggravate the toxicity . The remedy of the women from Tondiarpet entailed scraping off the free outer layer of the cornea and patching the eyes with antibiotics and lubricants for around two days. "The cells that were removed regrew within a week," said Dr Malarkodi.
While the treated ladies wanted anonymity , TOI spoke to residents in Tondiarpet to learn the way prevalent the practice is. "We've been using custard seed paste for generations," said 77-year-old R Kannagi, who applies the paste continuously to her grandchildren."It is common here. We just have to ensure it doesn't get into their eyes," she said. A initial Google search additionally revealed more than a dozen pages recommending custard apple seed as a natural choice to struggle dandruff and lice. None had details of the unwanted side effects.
An old remedy that now brings trouble
![An old remedy that now brings trouble]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
October 24, 2017
Rating:
