Unconventional remedies used for patients with juvenile arthritis.

While attending arthritis youth camps, 53 patients with juvenile arthritis from Australia (31 patients), New Zealand (4 patients), and Canada (18 patients) completed individual questionnaires concerning their treatment. Between 1 and 8 unconventional remedies (mean 2.6) had been used by 37 (70%) of the patients. The most commonly used unconventional remedies were copper bracelets (68%), diet (43%), and patent medicines (38%). The potential dangers of unconventional remedy use in children are illustrated by three case reports. Professionals caring for patients with juvenile arthritis should be aware that most of them will probably use unconventional remedies at some time.