Emuaid First Aid Ointment is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical therapy that some people find effective for the treatment of psoriasis. Although there isn’t much data on the product itself, Emuaid contains ingredients that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these ingredients have been shown to help relieve itchy and painful psoriasis symptoms. They also help hydrate dry and flaking skin that characterizes plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis.

Many MyPsoriasisTeam members have expressed curiosity about Emuaid. “Has anyone tried Emuaid? I heard it does wonders for sufferers,” a member wrote.

“Starting a new cream today, Emuaid. It’s supposed to be great for psoriasis. I will see how it works,” wrote another member.

What Is Emuaid?

Emuaid is a natural, homeopathic topical treatment. According to the company’s website, Emuaid contains these main natural ingredients, among others:

• HPUS Argentum metallicum (active ingredient is colloidal silver)
• Emu oil
• Bacillus ferment
• Phytosphingosine
• Vitamin E
• Tea tree oil
• Ceramide 3

There is no alcohol, fragrance, steroids, petrochemicals, parabens, lanolins, artificial preservatives, or chemicals in Emuaid. Some of these substances can be irritating to sensitive skin. Emuaid may appeal to people who want to reduce their use of steroid creams and ointments because of the risk of side effects.

Emuaid was originally developed to treat serious burns and is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and infection in skin. The product comes in regular strength and maximum strength and is described as being safe and effective in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis. Maximum-strength Emuaid is supposed to be more fast-acting.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a form of natural healing that was developed in Germany in the 1700s. However, homeopathic remedies have largely not been studied scientifically, and products like Emuaid that are sold as homeopathic in the United States are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Although Emuaid states that its products are manufactured in a facility that is registered with the FDA, the FDA has stated that it has not reviewed or approved any homeopathic products sold in the U.S. Nonetheless, Emuaid’s website boasts numerous satisfied customer reviews, although many are not by people with psoriasis.

Emuaid Ingredients and Potential Benefits for Psoriasis

In a study sponsored by Emuaid, the ointment was found to be effective in quickly killing bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, as well as Candida albicans fungus and mold. Fungal infections can occur in approximately 16 percent of psoriasis cases.

Emuaid has not undergone peer-reviewed scientific studies, although many of the ingredients contained in the ointment have been studied for their health benefits. Here is an explanation of some of the key ingredients in Emuaid.

HPUS Argentum Metallicum (Colloidal Silver)

HPUS is a legal term that indicates an ingredient is a homeopathic drug as determined by the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, a nongovernmental organization that oversees homeopathic remedies in the U.S. These drugs are registered with the FDA.

Argentum metallicum is silver. Colloidal silver is a compound of silver particles suspended in liquid. Silver has a long history of being used in medicine to help prevent infection. However, there is a risk of side effects, including a permanent bluish discoloration of skin and toxic absorption of silver that may disrupt kidney or neurological functions.

Emu Oil

Emu oil is derived from the fat of the emu, a large, flightless bird that is native to Australia. The oil contains fatty acids, including linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, which are believed to have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

In fact, research from the journal Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation has shown that emu oil can significantly inhibit pro-inflammatory proteins in the immune system. This is a significant finding in relation to psoriasis, in which immune system dysfunction causes inflammation and an overproduction of skin cells.

In one small study that looked at the topical use of emu oil among people with psoriasis and eczema, dramatic improvements were observed. Itching was reduced 100 percent, scaling was reduced 80 percent, and redness was reduced by 30 percent with 30 days of topical emu oil treatment.

Bacillus Ferment

Bacillus ferment is a topical probiotic — a compound with live bacteria — that is believed to help improve the skin ecosystem, or microbiome. Although research is limited on the effect of bacillus ferment on psoriasis, studies indicate that restoring a healthy skin microbiome with probiotics like bacillus ferment may prove to be an important treatment option.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and antimicrobial (fighting bacteria and viruses) properties. Despite a lack of research on the use of tea tree oil with psoriasis, anecdotal evidence points to tea tree oil helping to ease psoriasis symptoms in some people.

Ceramide 3

Ceramide 3 is a fatty acid that naturally occurs in skin. Moisturizing products that contain ceramide 3 have been shown to improve the function of the skin barrier. Ceramides can be found in numerous products recommended by the National Psoriasis Foundation for effective skin care for psoriasis.

Carefully Test Any New Product

While Emuaid may be a product that can help you reduce psoriasis symptoms, it’s always a good idea to test a new topical treatment on a small patch of skin to see if it might work for you. Each case of psoriasis is unique, and what works for one person may not work for everyone.

Keep in mind that many of the ingredients found in Emuaid can be found in other OTC topical lotions, creams, emollients, and ointments that have been effective for some people in treating psoriasis symptoms. Always review the ingredients list of any medications or creams you use to ensure you are not allergic or sensitive to one of them.

Other Topical Psoriasis Treatments

Some people prefer other types of topical psoriasis treatments because they may not tolerate some ingredients in Emuaid. As one MyPsoriasisTeam member said, “For some reason, tea tree oil bothers me, and that’s also in Emuaid.”

Others have found relief from psoriasis symptoms using products with different ingredients, such as Aquaphor ointment, which is made from mineral oil. “From the first application of OTC Aquaphor ointment, 80 percent of plaque psoriasis is controlled,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member said.

OTC topical medications with coal tar or mild corticosteroids can also reduce psoriasis symptoms for some people. For stronger topical corticosteroids, you will need to see your dermatologist. Antifungal medications, such as clotrimazole, are also sometimes used as a topical treatment for psoriasis. “I have been using clotrimazole cream, prescribed by my GP. It did work but very slowly,” a team member shared.

Talk to your dermatologist about OTC topicals you may want to incorporate into your skin care to find out which topical treatments might be appropriate for your type of psoriasis.

Find Your Team

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Have you tried Emuaid for your psoriasis? Which topical treatments have helped relieve your symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.