Dermatitis chamomile

Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla As a tea for gastrointestinal disturbances, as a sedative, and as an anti-inflammatory agent Fbssible contact dermatitis and, in rare instances, anaphylaxis Chamomile is a member of the ragweed family and those allergic to ragweed should not take the herb. 

About 120 chemical constituents have been identified in chamomile as secondary metabolites, including 28 terpenoids, 36 flavonoids and 52 additional compounds [4]. A substantial part of drag effects are determined by the essential oil content. Oil is collected from flower heads, either by steam distillation or solvent extraction, for yields of 0.24-1.90% of fresh or dry plant tissue. Among the essential oil constituents the most active are /-/-a-bisabolol and chamazulene. /-/-a-bisabolol has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antiulcer, sedative and CNS activity. Chamazulene is also anti-inflammatory. Topical applications of chamomile preparation have shown benefit in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis and ulceration [5]. 

Chamomile contains coumarins and may enhance the effect of prescription anticoagulants. The herb is an antispasmodic and slows the motility of the Gl tract. This action might decrease the absorption of dnig.s. Chamomile preparations may be adulterated with chamomile pollen. This may cause allcigy. anaphylaxi.s. and atopic dermatitis. 

Exposure to Asteraceous plants may also result in the development of contact dermatitis. One Serbian study has indicated that it is not unusual to detect sensitization to chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), arnica (Arnica montana), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), and feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) (Jovanovic et al., 2004). Contact dermatitis, along with asthma and rhinitis, may also accompany occupational exposure to chamomile (Rudzki et al., 2003) and contact dermatitis to feverfew (Hausen, 1981). Similarly, chamomile in cosmetic products can also be a cause of dermatitis (Paulsen, 2002 Rycroft, 2003). Because chamomile-containing products, particularly in shampoos and other OTC products, are so widespread, the linkage to these types of adverse events are likely underreported. Also, use of royal jelly, a thick mixture of honey, pollen, and their allergens, has been associated with several cases of bronchospasm, and topical application of concentrated forms of bee pollen (propalis) to contact dermatitis (Perharic, 1993). Milk thistle has also been known to cause urticaria (De Smet, 2004). 

Rudzki, E., Rapiejko, P., and Rebandel, P. 2003. Occupational contact dermatitis, with asthma and rhinitis, from chamomile in a cosmetician also with contact urticaria from both chamomile and lime flowers. Contact Dermatit. 49, 162. 

Rycroft, R. 2003. Recurrent facial dermatitis from chamomile tea. Contact Dermatit. 48, 229. 

E.3 ContactedlerpfensThc sesquiterpene lactones of the Asteraceae, e.g. chrysanthemums, asters and daisies, are well-known causes of contact allergic dermatitis. Patients with such allergies should avoid (and should be advised to avoid) herbs such as Artemisia (Mugwort), Chamomile, Yarrow (Achillea). Feverfew, Echinacea-inA Arnica because of cross-sensitisation. 

Giordano-Labadie, R, H.P. Schwarze, and J. Bazex. 2000. Allergic contact dermatitis from chamomile used in phytotherapy. Contact Dermat. 42(2) 247. 

McGeorge, B.C.L., and M.C. Steele. 1991. Allergic contact dermatitis of the nipple from Roman chamomile ointment. Contact Dermat. 24 139-140. 

Pereira, F., R. Santos, and A. Pereira. 1997. Contact dermatitis from chamomile tea. Contact Dermat. 37(6) 307. 

Allergic reactions to chamomile including anaphylaxis (Benner and Lee 1973 Jensen-Jarolim et al. 1998 Subiza et al. 1989 Thien 2001) and contact dermatitis have been reported (Foti et al. 2000 Giordano-Labadie et al. 2000 Lundh et al. 2006 McGeorge and Steele 1991 Pereira et al. 1997 Rodriguez-Serna et al. 1998 Rudzki et al. 2003). 

Some individuals are extremely sensitive to the oil when applied to the skin. Contact dermatitis and allergic cross-reactions with other plants belonging to the same family, for example. Echinacea and Chamomile, are not... 

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