Nature’s bandage: a memorable rescue of severe pemphigus vulgaris in a resource-limited setting

We report a case of pemphigus vulgaris involving 50% body surface area in a rural agricultural worker. The clinical presentation was complicated by application of herbal paste and bacterial superinfection, initially mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis. Faced with significant resource constraints and unavailability of modern biosynthetic dressings, we successfully managed the extensive skin failure with an innovative nursing protocol using autoclaved banana (Musa paradisiaca) leaves as a sterile, nonadherent wound interface. This case underscores that when commercial nonadherent dressings are financially prohibitive, repurposing indigenous resources through standard sterilization techniques can provide a highly effective, painless and life-saving wound care alternative.