Australas J Dermatol. 1998 Nov; 39(4): 265-7.

Topical eucalyptus oil poisoning.

Darben T, Cominos B, Lee CT.

Department of Dermatology, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Eucalyptus oil is well documented as being extremely toxic if ingested. We report a case of systemic eucalyptus oil toxicity from topical application. A 6-year-old girl presented with slurred speech, ataxia and muscle weakness progressing to unconsciousness following the widespread application of a home remedy for urticaria containing eucalyptus oil. Six hours following removal of the topical preparation her symptoms had resolved, with no long term sequelae.