Does Emuaid Help Treat Psoriasis? - Medical News Today

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Is Emuaid effective for treating psoriasis?

Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD — Written by Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito — Updated on September 19, 2023

Definition
Does it work?
Side effects
How to use
Other nonprescription options
Contacting a doctor
Summary

Emuaid may provide relief from itching and inflammation, which are common symptoms of psoriasis. Reports do not suggest it causes side effects, but some of its ingredients have potential side effects.

Emuaid is a homeopathic treatment, which means that it is an alternative approach to medicine and uses natural substances in very small amounts. The product claims to heal minor skin conditions, such as bruises and rashes, as well as more difficult-to-treat skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes skin cells to develop more rapidly than the rate at which the body is capable of shedding them. It causes an individual to develop thick, raised scaly patches on their skin that can cause discomfort.

In this article, we will discuss what Emuaid is, whether it is effective for treating psoriasis, and other nonprescription treatments that a person with psoriasis may consider.

What is Emuaid?

A person with psoriasis applying a topical cream, such as Emuaid. — SOMNATH MAHATA/Getty Images

Emuaid is a homeopathic topical product that people can use as a first aid ointment. The manufacturer of Emuaid states that the product:

has antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties
can work with the skin’s own regenerative mechanisms to provide relief from skin-related symptoms on any part of the body
is safe and effective for children and adults

Emuaid contains a proprietary blend of ingredients that include Argentum metallicum. This active ingredient, also known as colloidal silver, may possess some medical use, such as helping treat burns, skin wounds, or skin infections. Additionally, this ingredient is officially part of the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States.

The product also contains a range of other ingredients, including ceramide 3, phytosphingosine, tea tree oil, L-lysine hydrochloride, Lactobacillus reuteri, and emu oil. However, it does not contain steroids, chemicals, alcohol, parabens, or artificial preservatives.

Does it help treat psoriasis?

Environmental triggers, such as cold weather, can often cause psoriasis flares, during which the symptoms worsen. Bacterial infection is also a possible trigger. A 2020 study states that the microbiome on the damaged skin could cause prolonged inflammation and trigger psoriasis.

Although psoriatic plaques rarely become infected, and systemic infections are more likely to trigger psoriasis, Emuaid’s potential antibacterial properties may still help prevent the worsening of the condition by eliminating bacteria on the skin.

A time-kill study by a third party laboratory suggests that Emuaid is capable of killing molds, yeast, and bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, within 1 minute of contact. However, it is important to note that Emuaid sponsored this study.

Emuaid also has antifungal properties that may address inflammation resulting from a fungal infection. A 2020 study states that repeated skin fungal infection is associated with skin inflammation in psoriasis.

The manufacturer claims that the product also possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help relieve the symptoms associated with psoriasis.

However, unlike corticosteroids, a common topical treatment option for mild-to-moderate psoriasis, Emuaid does not have properties that suppress the immune system response.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that no evidence supports the health-related claims regarding the use of colloidal silver. Likewise, the Food and Drug Authority FDA) does not consider over-the-counter (OTC) products containing this ingredient to be safe or effective.

Read more about colloidal silver safety and risks here.

Emuaid also does not have the National Psoriasis Foundation’s (NPF’s) Seal of Recognition, which recognizes OTC products that are safe and non-irritating to people with psoriasis and severe sensitive skin.

Side effects

According to Emuaid’s website, the ointment has no reported side effects or drug interactions.

However, colloidal silver has several potential side effects, including irreversible bluish skin discoloration (argyria), kidney damage, seizures, and myopathy. Tea tree oil, another ingredient in Emuaid, can cause skin irritation and lead to contact dermatitis.

How to use

In general, it is best to apply ointments and creams for skin conditions immediately after a bath, as this aids in absorption and helps seal in moisture. The manufacturer suggests that a person apply a thin layer of Emuaid over the affected area three or four times a day or as much as necessary to relieve the symptoms.

People with highly contagious conditions need to use separate sterile swabs when applying ointment to each lesion to prevent the spread of symptoms.

Other nonprescription treatment options

Several OTC products are available that may provide relief from psoriasis symptoms. These include:

Emollients

Emollients refer to creams, ointments, moisturizers, and a range of other products that primarily help prevent the skin from drying out. They are a useful part of the treatment plan for many people living with psoriasis, as they can help soothe, heal, and hydrate cracked, dry skin and prevent water loss.

Aside from relieving dry skin, products that moisturize the skin can also aid in the healing process. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that people with psoriasis moisturize their skin daily or, for those with really dry skin, as often as necessary.

Salicylic acid

Products with salicylic acid as their active ingredient are helpful for relieving psoriatic symptoms, as salicylic acid is a keratolytic, or peeling, agent. This means that it acts as a scale lifter, helping soften and remove thick skin and scales.

Coal tar

Both prescription and OTC products for psoriasis may contain coal tar as an active ingredient. They come in various formulations, including shampoos, ointments, and creams. Coal tar can help relieve discoloration, swelling, itching, scaling, and flaking, and it can slow down skin growth.

Nonprescription steroids

People can buy low strength or low potency corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone creams and ointments without the need for a prescription. Steroids have anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing properties that can help reduce psoriasis symptoms, including itchiness and swelling.

Learn more about lotions, creams, and ointments for psoriasis.

When to contact a doctor

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin-related conditions, and it results from an improper immune response. It affects about 3% of the U.S. population.

Although anyone can develop psoriasis, evidence suggests a potential genetic component. Anyone who notices discolored patches or silvery scales on their body should consult a dermatologist, especially if they have a family history of psoriasis.

Almost one-third of people with a psoriasis diagnosis also get psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The presence of the following symptoms in one or more joints can be indicative of PsA:

joint stiffness
joints that are warm to the touch
painful and swollen joints
ankle and foot pain
nail pitting
separation of the nail from the nail bed
lower back pain
sausage-like swelling of one or more fingers or toes

The NPF’s medical board advises people with psoriasis or a family history of psoriasis to speak with a dermatologist or another healthcare professional if they notice these symptoms.

Summary

Emuaid is a first aid ointment that may help treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis. However, the FDA does not regulate homeopathic medicines such as Emuaid.

People considering treating themselves with Emuaid should first ask their doctor for advice. Several other OTC psoriasis medications are available that a person can buy and use without a prescription.

Dermatology
Psoriasis
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Are you at risk for psoriatic arthritis? (2020). https://www.psoriasis.org/risk-for-psoriatic-arthritis/
Armstrong, A. W., et al. (2021). Psoriasis prevalence in adults in the United States. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2781378
Capon, F. (2017). The genetic basis of psoriasis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5751129/
Colloidal silver. (2017). https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/colloidal-silver
Homeopathy: What you need to know. (2021). https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/homeopathy
Hsu, D. K., et al. (2020). Role of skin and gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590097820300136
Hurabielle, C., et al. (2020). Immunity to commensal skin fungi promotes psoriasiform skin inflammation [Abstract]. https://www.pnas.org/content/117/28/16465.short
Kmieck, P. J. (2015). Modified time kill study: Emuaid. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0549/3181/6637/files/Time_Kill_Study_Emuaid_Report_27181.pdf?v=1615964505
Label: Emuaid — silver ointment. (2021). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=07b160d3-107c-4c29-a38e-f343e5b3a714
Mease, P. J., et al. (2013). Prevalence of rheumatologist-diagnosed psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis in European/North American dermatology clinics [Abstract]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23981683/
Over-the-counter topicals. (2020). https://www.psoriasis.org/over-the-counter/
The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States: Criteria for eligibility. (n.d.). https://www.hpus.com/eligibility.php
What psoriasis treatments are available without a prescription? (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/medications/non-prescription

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Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD — Written by Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito — Updated on September 19, 2023

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What is Emuaid?

Does it help treat psoriasis?

Side effects

How to use

Other nonprescription treatment options

Emollients

Salicylic acid

Coal tar

Nonprescription steroids

When to contact a doctor

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