Upon further examination of the available ethnobotanical literature,
over 100 plant species were identified as being of importance
when considering the traditional dermatological medicinal plant use
in southern Africa. An overview of the uses related to the skin is
given in Fig. 1. Wound healing was the most prevalent (41%) treatment
regimen, followed by infectious diseases (32%). These may
comprise of bacterial (e.g. acne, boils, abscesses and leprosy), fungal
(e.g. ringworm) or viral (e.g. shingles and measles) to a lesser extent.
Some medicinal plants (25%) are indicated for the treatment of sores
and ulcers (kept separate from wound healing due to the implications
of severity). Skin irritations including rashes, eczema, psoriasis,
cancer and tumours account for 16% of southern African medicinal
plants. Less attention has been given to plants used for the treatment
of burns and anti-inflammatory conditions (10%). Only a minority
(4% and 3% respectively) of the plants were used to treat growths
(such as warts or corns on the skin), or used for the treatment
of contusions (bruises, bumps etc.). There is a selection of plants
(8%, unspecified) where the exact application or reference to the
treatment of the skin is vague (Fig. 1.). It is possible that these plants
may be used for multiple purposes. Anti-inflammatory, wound