A Review of The Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Managing Dermatologic Infectious Diseases

Dermatologic infections, particularly fungal and viral, are globally prevalent and often lead patients to seek complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). This review critically evaluates 17 studies investigating CAM efficacy in treating dermatologic infectious diseases, focusing on those evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Tea tree oil shows modest benefit for fungal infections such as tinea pedis and onychomycosis, though studies are limited by poor blinding and dropout rates. For herpes simplex virus (HSV), propolis and Melissa officinalis demonstrate potential antiviral effects, but findings are limited by subjective outcomes and industry sponsorship. Green tea extract (polyphenon E) shows efficacy in treating genital warts, though adverse skin reactions and publication bias warrant caution. Other agents, including garlic-derived ajoene, honey mixtures, and podophyllin, show promise but lack robust RCT validation. While CAMs offer intriguing therapeutic avenues, rigorous trials with standardized outcomes are essential to guide evidence-based integration into dermatologic care and improve patient-centered treatment strategies.