Curanderismo: consequences of folk medicine

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2008 Apr;24(4):228-9. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e31816b7a92.

Abstract

Curanderismo, folk medicine, is an important and common aspect of Hispanic culture. Its use is not well understood by US medical physicians and is often overlooked when Hispanic patients present to US hospitals. We present a case of isopropyl alcohol toxicity in a 4-year-old child due to the use of a curanderismo treatment of "espanto" (evil spirits).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 2-Propanol / poisoning*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medicine, Traditional*
  • Mexico / ethnology
  • Solvents / poisoning*
  • United States

Substances

  • Solvents
  • 2-Propanol