Bisabolol is an active plant extract isolated from German chamomile and thought to have antiinflammatory and skin-soothing properties. It is a common additive in many products, including moisturizing creams and ointments, lotions, cleansers, sunscreens, antiperspirants, and makeup products. Contact dermatitis from bisabolol has been reported in Europe and is purported to occur in the United States. Patch testing with bisabolol-containing products or bisabolol may be useful in the work-up of patients with presumptive allergic contact dermatitis or potentially worsening atopic dermatitis. Patients sensitized to bisabolol should be counseled to avoid any bisabolol-containing products.
From the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, and the Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, Rady Children's Hospital, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA.
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