Evidence supporting the use of: Benzoin siam
For the health condition: Poison Ivy or Oak

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Benzoin siam (commonly referred to as gum benzoin) has a long history of use in traditional medicine as a component of topical preparations for skin protection and minor wounds. Its use for poison ivy or poison oak dermatitis is primarily based on its inclusion in compound tincture of benzoin, an old-fashioned topical solution sometimes applied to skin eruptions, rashes, or minor wounds as a protective film or antiseptic. The rationale was that the resin forms a physical barrier and may have mild antiseptic properties. However, there is no robust scientific evidence from controlled studies to validate its efficacy specifically for treating the allergic contact dermatitis caused by poison ivy or oak (urushiol-induced dermatitis). Modern dermatologic guidelines do not recommend Benzoin siam as a treatment for this condition, and its use persists only in some traditional or folk medicine contexts. Most references in medical literature mention it in passing as a historical remedy rather than a current, evidence-based approach. Therefore, while there is a traditional precedent for its use, the supporting evidence is weak (rated 1), and it should not be considered a scientifically validated or recommended treatment for poison ivy or poison oak reactions today.

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