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

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.