Periocular Erythema and Eczema after Local Application of Calendula Officinalis in Pediatric Age

Vincenzo Patella*, Giovanni Florio, Viviana Cafeo, Gioacchino Calapai, Fabrizio Calapai and Sebastiano Gangemi

Calendula officinalis is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Herbal preparations from Calendula have been used topically as a natural anti-inflammatory medicine and for the healing of wounds and leg ulcers. Although data on dermal irritation and sensitization are available, the risk of subchronic systemic toxicity following dermal application of Calendula officinalis preparations has not been evaluated. The threshold of toxicological concern is only based on a pragmatic risk assessment approach that gained regulatory acceptance for food. Here we describe a case of a 12 year old girl forced to the hospital for an acute periocular erythema and eczema after use for two days of Calendula Officinalis compresses on the eyes. 

The use of Calendula extracts is very common in traditional medicine, as these products are highly available because sold in many countries as food supplements or medical devices. Even though it is not considered toxic, adequate safety data of use in children are not existing. On the light of the case here reported, we think that pediatric use of these extracts should be very careful, especially in subjects allergic to Asteraceae.

All Authors make substantial contributions to acquisition and interpretation of data, research of literature data and about writing of the manuscript.

Each author have singularly participated sufficiently in the work as follows: 

Patella V. and Gangemi S. participated in writing and design of the study and provided a contribution from the allergologic point of view, Calapai G., Cafeo V. and Calapai F. participated in writing and design of the study and purchased their contribution from the pharmacological point of view. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Keywords:

Published on: Mar 27, 2017 Pages: 11-12

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-8141.000017
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