Arnica

Arnica (Arnica montana) is a daisy-family (Compositae/Asteraceae) plant used in creams and gels for bruises and sometimes in “natural” skincare. DermNet lists it among the Compositae plants that cause contact allergy through Sesquiterpene Lactones, and arnica extract is one of the individual plant allergens added to patch tests when Compositae allergy is suspected. Atopic children are at higher risk of Compositae sensitisation, so arnica products should not go on eczematous skin.

Connections

• Compositae Allergy — daisy-family remedy; Compositae allergen, source: DermNet
• Sesquiterpene Lactones — allergen class in arnica, source: DermNet