Airborne allergic contact dermatitis caused by chamomile tea.

A 75-year-old Hispanic woman with no significant past medical historywas referred to uswith a 2-month history of very itchy dermatitis involving the eyelids, chin, and the anterior part of the ears. Clinical features suggested an airborne contact dermatitis. However, patch testing with the North American baseline series gave negative results. Further patch tests with fragrances and cosmetic and plants series (Chemotechnique Diagnostics, Vellinge, Sweden) showed a 2+ reaction at D4 to German chamomile 2.5% pet., whereas Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile All., syn. Anthemis nobilis L.) produced no reaction. On being informed of the result, the patient admitted that she had been preparing and drinking hot chamomile tea every day for the past 5 years. The patient was prescribed topical pimecrolimus, and instructed to stop preparing and drinking chamomile tea. At follow-up, her facial dermatitis had cleared.