Evidence supporting the use of: Colloid
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Colloids, particularly colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa), are scientifically validated for use in the treatment of itching (pruritus). Colloidal oatmeal is a well-established ingredient in dermatology for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties. Numerous clinical studies and reviews have demonstrated its efficacy in conditions associated with itching, such as atopic dermatitis, xerosis (dry skin), and other eczematous disorders. The mechanism of action is attributed to several bioactive compounds in oatmeal, including avenanthramides, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as beta-glucans, which help maintain skin hydration and barrier function. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant, and it is a common ingredient in over-the-counter creams, lotions, and bath treatments for pruritus. However, the term "colloid (unspecified)" could technically refer to a variety of colloidal substances, not all of which have proven efficacy for itching. Therefore, the strong scientific evidence applies primarily to colloidal oatmeal. For other unspecified colloids, evidence may be lacking or absent. In summary, for colloidal oatmeal, there is a robust scientific basis supporting its use for the relief of itching, with endorsements from regulatory agencies and clinical guidelines.
Other ingredients used for Itching
Aloe veramyrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory