Arnica - Good For Bruising?
Arnica is a plant that has gotten a lot of attention and advocacy in its use for promotion of wound healing and prevention of bruising. Although we do not offer arnica as after-care for laser tattoo removal or for injectable treatments, arnica is often advocated by plastic surgeons to minimize post-operative bruising. But is it safe and effective? Since arnica is not a synthetic chemical or drug, it contains multiple different active compounds with their own various effects. It is not regulated by the FDA. Most sources advise against oral ingestion of arnica or application over open wounds due to the risk of toxic effects.
We had an arnica side effect during Botox injection that is worth sharing with others. A patient that had previously not had any problems with Botox developed severe bruising after injection with the tiny insulin syringe. It was so dramatic that the procedure had to be aborted. The patient had no prior such problems and admitted to being only on oral arnica supplements which she had obtained on her own initiative. After researching arnica side effects, we found that it contains coumarin, a chemical that prolongs blood clotting time, which would cause - guess what? Increased bruising! We naturally advised the patient stop using the arnica and to see her doctor. However, it makes you wonder how many other such “natural” but not well-tested remedies exist out there that may not just be unhelpful but actually cause problems?
