Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, and Persian medicine, for a variety of ailments. In the context of skin infections, traditional texts and ethnobotanical reports describe the use of asafoetida as a topical application or as a component in ointments, primarily for its supposed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These practices are based on empirical knowledge passed down through generations, rather than on controlled scientific studies.

A few laboratory studies have identified that asafoetida contains sulfur compounds and phenolic acids, which may have mild antibacterial or antifungal effects in vitro. However, there is a lack of robust clinical evidence or well-designed human trials to validate its effectiveness specifically for treating skin infections. The traditional rating reflects that while there is a historical precedent for its use in skin-related conditions, current scientific literature does not provide strong support or detailed mechanisms for its efficacy in this area. As such, its use for skin infections remains rooted in traditional practice rather than being scientifically validated.