boards’ fodder

Herbal supplements in Dermatology

Josh Weingartner, MD and Anne Miller, MD

Substance Source Uses Side Effects

Used topically for wounds and burns. Allergic contact dermatitis. Can
Reduces burning, itching, and scarring lead to hypoglycemia if ingested
Aloe Vera Aloe vera
in radiation dermatitis. Useful in orally by diabetics on oral
psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis hypoglycemic drugs
Used for treatment of myalgia,
arthralgia, bruises, insect bites,
Arnica montana (contains ses- Allergic contact dermatitis; toxic
Arnica furuncles, acne, gingivitis, hemor-
quiterpene lactones) if ingested
rhoids, seborrehic dermatitis, and
psoriasis

Used for melasma,

If ingested, can cause nausea,
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi postinflammatory hyperpigmentation,
vomiting, green urine, and tinnitus
suppressing UV-induced tanning

Mixture of vanillyl amides of isode-

ceconic acid and works by deplet-
Capsaicin Capsicum ing substance P. Is used for multiple Temporary burning
neurologically mediated pruritic and
neuropathic disorders.

Theoretical risk of increased

Matricaria recuctita, Chamomilla
Chamomile Used for dermatitis bleeding, contact dermatitis,
recutita
anaphylaxis

Insect and crustacean shell Used for treatment of

Chitin
component hyperpigmentation

Active components include pyrethrins Allergic contact dermatitis,

Chrysanthemums Asteraceae (Compositae) family
which are used for scabies treatment photosensitivity

Zinc chloride, bloodroot, gold- Historically used topically to treat skin

Escharotics Necrotic crusts, pain, scarring
enseal cancers

None topically; may cause

Contacts linolenic acid and gamma- nausea, diarrhea, headache,
Evening Primrose Oil Oenothera biennis linolenic acid and is used for atopic thrombosis and immunosuppres-
dermatitis and pruritus sion with prolonged use if taken
Josh Weingartner,
systemically
MD, is a PGY-4 at
University of Oklahoma
Department of Feverfew Tanacetum (Chrysanthemum) Anti-inflammatory Contraindicated during pregnancy
Dermatology.
Used topically for verrucae, tinea pedis
Contact dermatitis topically;
Garlic Allium sativum and has antibacterial, antiviral, and
anticoagulation systemically
antifungal properties

Can decrease clearance of MAO

Used for photoaging and vitiligo
Gingko Biloba Gingko biloba inhbitors and SSRIs if used
topically
systemically

Headache, insomnia, GI upset,

Panax ginseng,
Ginseng Used for anti-aging topically and hypoglycemia if used
Panax quinquefolius
systemically

Enhances healing of first-degree and

superficial second-degree burns. May
Honey Contact dermatitis
be useful for acute wounds, post-op
Anne Miller, MD, is a wounds, and pressure ulcers
PGY-4 at University of
Irritant contact dermatitis; oral use
Oklahoma Department Horse Chestnut Seed Used topically for treatment of varicose can cause interactions with oral
of Dermatology. Aesculus hippocastanum
Extract veins, phlebitis, and hemorrhoids hypoglycemics, insulin,
anticoagulants, aspirin, NSAIDs

Contains anioxidants used for its anti- Hypertension, edema, congestive

Licorice Root Glycyrrhiza inflammatory properties in rosacea and heart failure, hypokalemia (syn-
eczema. Also affective for melasma. drome of mineralcorticoid excess)

D­Rirections
in
esidency p. 1 • Spring 2015
 boards’ fodder
Herbal supplements in Dermatology
Josh Weingartner, MD and Anne Miller, MD

Substance Source Uses Side Effects

Used as antisepctic for diaper der-
matitis. Used for anti-inflammatory
Marigold Calendula Contact dermatitis
properties for wounds, ulcers, burns,
HSV, eczema
Used for hydration, wound healing,
and to stimulate blood flow. If applied
Olive Oil Olea None
after UVB exposure, decreases DNA
damage.

Contains alicylic acid and is used for Theoretical risk of salicylate

Pansy Flower Viola tricolor
seborrheic dermatitis in infants. toxicity

Root extract inhibits tyrosinase and is

Paper Mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera Unknown
used for melasma

Resinous substance contains flavo- Hypersensitivity reactions.

Propolis noids and is used for apthous ulcers Contraindicated if allergic to
and HSV. honey or other bee products.

Inhibits cytochrome P450. Slows

Resveratrol-containing Grapes and other berries used topical-
Resveratrol wound healing and inhibits
plants ly to decrease UVB-induced damage
platelet aggregation.

Used to prevent baldness and treat

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis Contraindicated during pregnancy
toothaches

Contact dermatitis; part of

Silymarin (milk thistle) Silybum marianum Used topically for anti-aging
Compositae family

Used to treat hyperpigmentation, Has estrogenic effects and

Soy Glycine reducing unwanted body hair, reducing therefore carries a theoretical risk
photodamage for breast cancer

Used topically for acne, wounds, Induces cytochrome p450. Can

St. John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum
insect bites cause photosensitivity.

Used to treat wounds, ulcers, tinea,

Turmeric Curcuma longa None
and pruritis

Used for photoprotection, photoaging,

Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid melasma, acne. Promotes collagen Stinging, erythema, xerosis
synthesis

Antioxidant used for atopic dermatitis

Vitamin E Tocopherol May inhibit clotting
and anti-aging

Used for acne, eczema, oral ulcers,

Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana bruises. Acts as a vasoconstrictor and None
antioxidant.

Works Cited:
1. Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, editors. Bolognia Textbook of Dermatology. 3rd ed. Spain: Mosby Elsevier publishing; 2012: chapter 133.
2. Wolverton SE. Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy. 3rd ed. China: Mosby Elsevier publishing; 2013: chapter 55.

www.aad.org/DIR Spring 2015 • p. 2 D­Rirections

in
esidency