Herbal oral gel induced contact stomatitis along with desquamative gingivitis due to a coloring agent

Report of a rare case of contact stomatitis manifesting as irregular erosions partially covered with pseudomembrane along with desquamative gingivitis in a 32-year-old female patient is presented. The patient was otherwise healthy and not taking any medication. She gave the history of using curcumin-based oral gel 2 days back. Allergy test to curcumin oral gel was found to be positive, which on detailed allergy testing proved to be the coloring agent, erythrosine present in the gel. Contrary to the popular belief some folk medicine preparations can lead to unwanted side effects due to the antigenic potential of ingredients present in them. In addition, every clinician, during differential diagnosis of oral lesions must bear in mind unwanted reactions to any local ointment.