Arnica Cream - Allergic Reaction or Wrong Application?

Hello! Thank you for your question! The recommendations for the use of these homeopathic medications are surgeon preference. I typically suggest the use of Arnica Montana to decrease swelling and bruising. It is an herbal medication that is propagated from the seeds of an herb. I, as well as my patients, have seen some benefit with the treatment in the postoperative period. Although there is little evidence to its effectiveness, I believe there is some benefit, and no harm. I recommend 4-5 tablets under the tongue 4x/day for 3-5 days prior and 5-7 days after the procedure. Certainly the topical form - discuss with your surgeon. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

It's probably better to avoid using arnica if you experienced such a reaction to it. The skin on the face can be more sensitive than on the hands. If you are very concerned, please see a dermatologist. All the best!

I would say it's better to be safe, so I would avoid the use of the arnica cream all together. The effects from Arnica are controversial, without any clear advantage being shown.  Your final result should not be affected whether you use Arnica (orally or topically) or not, so I would suggest avoiding it completely because of your possible allergic reaction.  

Arnica has been repeatedly shown in scientific literature to do nothing.

So don't use it- neither the pills nor the ointment.

If your skin is not yet healed, then see a dermatologist.

Need more be said?
 

You could have a reaction to some component of the cream, arnica or something else in it.  Play it safe, do not use it at all.

Many medications will cause similar reactions around the eyes, and it is probably wise just not to apply it there.  The evidence supporting arnica is not entirely complete, yet many do feel it helps diminish bruising.  Others feel it may increase the risk of bleeding.  I would discuss it with your own surgeon prior to surgery.

The sensitivity you are experieincing around the eyes is likely a reaction to either the arnica, the vehicle or some other component.  The skin around the eyes is ver sensitive and prone to reactions. I would recommend stopping the application. You can try the pills and see how you do.  Unfortunately, the evidence regarding arnica's effectiveness is not very strong.   If it is causing a problem, you are better of stopping it.  Best wishes.

I provide Arnica for my patients to take orally before and after surgery. However, you should totally avoid this drug when you have your surgery because it will not have that much impact on your recovery or result. 

We have no evidence in the scientific community using controlled studies that arnica has any significant beneficial effect. I discourage my paients from using it.