Bee propolis has been investigated for its potential use in supporting or treating dermatitis, and there is a moderate level of scientific evidence backing this application. Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from plant buds, noted for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that propolis extracts can inhibit the growth of pathogens commonly associated with skin infections and reduce inflammatory responses in skin tissue. For example, a 2012 study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that topical propolis improved healing in patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis compared to placebo. Other small clinical studies and animal models have reported decreased redness, itching, and lesion size following the topical application of propolis-containing formulations.

The proposed mechanisms include suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, promotion of tissue regeneration, and antimicrobial activity against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, which often colonize dermatitis lesions. However, most studies have involved small sample sizes and short durations, and propolis can itself cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. While not universally recommended as a first-line therapy, current evidence suggests that bee propolis may have adjunctive benefits in managing dermatitis, especially when standard therapies are insufficient or not tolerated.