Gnaphalium, a genus of plants commonly known as cudweed, has been utilized in traditional medicine systems, particularly in folk and indigenous practices, for the treatment of various skin conditions, including dermatitis. The use of Gnaphalium species for skin ailments is primarily based on traditional knowledge, where preparations from the aerial parts of the plant (such as poultices or infusions) have been applied to soothe inflamed or irritated skin. Ethnobotanical literature records the use of Gnaphalium uliginosum and related species in Europe, Asia, and the Americas as remedies for wounds, eczema, and dermatitis-like symptoms. The rationale in traditional contexts often cites the plant's purported anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

However, scientific validation for the use of Gnaphalium in dermatitis is limited. While laboratory studies have identified certain phytochemicals in Gnaphalium species (such as flavonoids and terpenoids) that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, direct clinical evidence for efficacy in dermatitis or other eczematous conditions is lacking. The available studies are mostly in vitro or animal-based, and there are no well-designed human trials confirming effectiveness or safety for this indication. Thus, while its use is rooted in tradition, the overall quality and quantity of evidence supporting Gnaphalium for dermatitis is low.