Violet (Viola odorata and related species) has a history of traditional use in herbal medicine for various skin conditions, including dermatitis. In European and South Asian folk medicine, topical preparations of violet leaves or flowers have been applied to inflamed or irritated skin, purportedly to soothe itching and reduce redness. These traditional uses are based largely on anecdotal evidence and historical herbal texts, which describe violet as possessing soothing, anti-inflammatory, and emollient properties. Some herbalists suggest that mucilage and flavonoids in violet may provide skin-calming effects.

However, modern scientific studies specifically evaluating violet for dermatitis are scarce. There are a few in vitro and animal studies indicating potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of violet extracts, but these are not directly linked to clinical outcomes in dermatitis. No robust randomized controlled trials in humans have been conducted to confirm efficacy or safety for this skin condition.

In summary, while violet is used traditionally for dermatitis and minor skin irritations, scientific validation is lacking. Its use is primarily supported by historical and anecdotal evidence rather than strong research data.