Evidence supporting the use of: Camphor
For the health condition: Dermatitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Camphor has a long history of traditional use in the topical treatment of various skin conditions, including dermatitis, pruritus, and eczema. It is commonly found in over-the-counter ointments and balms, often combined with other ingredients such as menthol. Traditional medical systems, particularly in Asia, have utilized camphor for its perceived anti-itch, cooling, and anti-inflammatory effects. The proposed mechanism is through its action as a counterirritant, which produces a cooling sensation that may help distract from itching or irritation associated with dermatitis.
However, scientific validation for camphor’s efficacy in treating dermatitis specifically is limited. Most clinical evidence pertains to its use in relieving minor skin irritations, pain, or as an anti-pruritic agent, rather than directly addressing underlying dermatitis pathology. There are some in vitro and animal studies suggesting anti-inflammatory properties, but well-designed human trials are lacking. Furthermore, camphor can be toxic if used in excessive amounts or on broken skin, and it is not universally recommended in modern dermatology for dermatitis due to the risk of skin irritation or systemic toxicity.
In summary, camphor’s use in dermatitis is primarily supported by tradition and anecdotal experience rather than robust scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Dermatitis
Aloe veraalpha-pinene
beeswax
beta caryophyllene
bisabolol
black currant
black walnut
burdock
Cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
coating
turmeric
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
hyaluronic acid
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
oregon grape
phenolic compounds
plantain
pomegranate
purified silver
quercetin
resveratrol
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Sphaeranthus indicus
vitamin A
vitamin D
vitamin E
Zinc
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
Mugwort
Neem tree
commiphora
siler root
oriental arborvitae
birch
polyphenols
fulvic acid
eucalyptus
Menthol oil
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
avens
alpha-terpineol
azelaic acid
Ardisia
anamu
Allantoin
Asteraceae
argan nut oil
bee propolis
babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
bishop\'s weed
Boswellic Acid
Butea monosperma
Barleria
bisabolene
bee products
Bombax
Bassia scoparia
coconut
Centella triterpenes
caryophyllene
Calendula
chlorophyllin
coconut oil
colloid
carvacrol
Curcuminoid
Chinese raisintree
curcumen
Centella asiatica
Centipeda
Curcuma
cannabidiol
Carthamus
copaiba oil
cannabigerol
chrysophanics
Dianthus
Epidermal Growth Factor
Eclipta
emu oil
Euphorbia
ethyl linoleate
flavonoids
fang-feng
fatty acids
Ficus simplicissima
fibroblast growth factor
gallic acid
Gnaphalium
glyceryl monolaurate
Growth factors
Glechoma hederacea
gallotannin
Glycyrrhetinic acid
heal-all
Hydrocolloid
henna
Himalaya berry
hemp
iridoid glycosides
Indian fagonia
jojoba oil
Kokilaksha
Litsea
lichen
Laggera pterodonta
linseed oil
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Labdanum
mallow
Melia
Malva sylvestris
mangostin
Mahonia
Milkweed
Marine colloids
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Nigella seed
Oxystelma
Propolis
Phyllanthus
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Paris polyphylla
Pansit-pansitan
Panthenol
Patrinia
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peptides
rue
rosmarinic acid
reed herb
Squalene
Sichuan Lovage
Sicklepod
Sophora
Sesbania
Solanaceae
Shark Liver Oil
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Southern Tsangshu
Silk protein
Sandalwood
Sulfur
Storax
Terpenoids
Thymoquinone
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymus
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Violet
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by Camphor
Abdominal PainAthlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Ear Infection or Earache
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Insect Repellant
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Lice
Pain (general remedies for)
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Stiff Neck
Sunburn
Toothache
Ulcerations (external)