Potential phytotherapy of atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, vitiligo

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to compare and describe the available therapies in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Traditional medicines have a long history of serving peoples all over the world. Steroids are often used for skin diseases. Steroids like cortisones ointments and creams have some side effects like permanent thinning of the skin, especially when applied to skin-folds such as under the breast, the armpit, and the groin. The exposition of human skin to sunlight and environmental pollution mainly results in the production of free radicals, which lead to deleterious oxidative effects. The later might cause skin diseases, malignancies such as melanoma, accelerated aging (i.e., wrinkles, lack of skin elasticity) as well as skin hyperpigmentation, This overview describes recent advances in phytotherapy of skin diseases based on the knowledge of folk medicine.