Herbs cannot prevent or treat erythema multiforme, a skin reaction with numerous causes, including drug reactions and herpes simplex infection. They may help soothe the symptoms, which include rash, fever and itching. More severe forms of the disease, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, can cause cough, fluid loss and peeling skin that can be fatal in some cases. Do not take herbs to treat erythema multiforme without your medical practitioner's approval.
Aloe Vera
The leaves of the aloe vera plant contain a clear gel that helps heal burns, skin injuries and lesions such as those found in erythema multiforme. Do not use aloe if the skin is broken. Systemic use of aloe can have a strong laxative effect. In animal studies, oral use has caused cancers and hepatitis. Use aloe only if your doctor approves of its use.
Calendula
Calendula is a marigold, but not all types of marigolds are calendula. Topical calendula appears to speed healing by increasing blood flow to the injured area. Do not apply calendula to any open areas on the skin. If you have an allergy to plants in the daisy or aster family, including chrysanthemums and ragweed, you may also have an allergic reaction to calendula, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns.
Other Herbal Treatments
Other herbs that may reduce inflammation and itching in erythema multiforme include burdock root, sage extract and slippery elm. Traditional Chinese medicine uses a mixture of herbs, including Gui Zhi Tang Damp Heat, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Toxic Fire and Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin to treat erythema multiforme. If you choose to use TCM remedies, see a qualified herbalist.
Warnings
While mild erythema multiforme generally heals within two to six weeks, more serious forms can lead to inflammation of the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver. Infection of the tissues under the skin, called cellulitis, or septic shock, which affects the entire body, can also occur. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, the most serious forms of the disorder, have high death rates, according to MedlinePlus. See your medical practitioner if you have erythema multiforme and don't attempt to treat the lesions on your own with herbs unless your physician approves.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Erythema; Steven Ehrlich; December 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Aloe Vera; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Calendula; Steven Ehrlich; December 2008
- MedlinePlus; Erythema Multiforme; October 2010
- Chinese Medicine Tools: Erythema Multiforme Treatment With TCM
