Pine (Pinus spp.) has a long history of traditional use in folk medicine for a variety of skin ailments, including rashes and hives. In various cultures, preparations made from pine needles, bark, or resin have been applied topically to soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. This practice is found in Indigenous North American, European, and Asian herbal traditions, where pine extracts are sometimes included in salves or baths for their purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, while there is substantial ethnobotanical documentation regarding pine’s external use for skin conditions, the evidence remains primarily anecdotal. There are limited laboratory studies suggesting that pine bark extract (notably from Pinus pinaster, the source of Pycnogenol) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but these studies mostly focus on oral supplementation rather than topical use, and rarely address acute skin conditions like rashes or hives directly. Furthermore, no robust clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of pine extracts specifically for treating rashes or urticaria (hives). The majority of modern dermatological guidance does not recognize pine as a standard treatment for these conditions.

In summary, the use of pine for rashes and hives is primarily supported by traditional and folk medicine practices with little scientific validation or clinical backing. Anyone considering topical pine preparations should be cautious due to the potential for allergic reactions or skin irritation.