The efficacy of St. John’s wort (SJW, hypericum perforatum) oil
macerates on intractable skin lesions of patients with idiopathic
granulomatous mastitis (IGM): Preliminary results
Abstract
Purpose: St. John’s wort (SJW, hypericum perforatum) has a long history
of medicinal use mainly for its antidepressive effect and for wound
healing. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first
clinical study evaluating the effects of topical SJW oil macerates on
the intractable skin lesions of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM).
Materials and Methods: SJW oil massage (two times daily for two minutes)
was recommended between 2016 and 2019, only for patients with persistent
or intractable skin lesions, after complete regression of granulomatous
mass with two cycles of high-dose oral steroid and empiric antibiotic.
Skin lesions were assessed and graded before and after treatment, as
clear, mild, moderate and severe. A mini-questionnaire was also filled
in for each patient at the end of six-week treatment. Results: A total
of 21 patients with persistent IGM lesions used SJW oil after completion
of the standard treatment protocol. All patients were women, and the
mean age was 36.6 years. Hyperemia (100%), scaling (61%), induration
(52%) and ulcer (28%) were the predominant skin lesions, Distribution
of the lesions according to the degree of severity were as mild,
moderate and severe, and seen in 35%, 41% and 23% of the patients,
respectively. When compared with pre-treatment scores, there were very
significant regression (clear: 76.4%, mild: 17.6%, moderate: 3.9%,
severe: 1.9%; p<0.001 for each). The overall success rate
(total clearance plus mild signs) of treatment was 94%. Conclusion: SJW
oil massage seems to be very effective in patients with IGM-related
persistent skin lesions.