Psoriasis can cause patches of thickened, dry skin. People with psoriasis may try topical products, such as Blue Star Ointment, to ease the discomfort and reduce itchiness.
Psoriasis can result in patches of skin that may crack, itch, burn, and cause other pain. The makers of Blue Star Ointment market it as a way of relieving uncomfortable symptoms of psoriasis, including itchiness and dryness.
In this article, we explore what benefits and risks Blue Star Ointment may have for people with psoriasis and other health conditions. We also look at other potential treatments for psoriasis.
Blue Star Ointment is an over-the-counter cream with 1.2% camphor oil. According to the company’s website, the product works for people with several skin conditions, including:
- itchiness
- scaly, dry skin
- eczema
- bug bites
- rashes
- cracked skin
- ringworm
- jock itch
- athlete’s foot
They do not say that their product works for psoriasis. However, the cream may help with several symptoms associated with psoriasis, including itchiness, a rash, and dry skin.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate or check the quality of Blue Star Ointment.
There is also no mention of quality control on the company’s website. The company does offer a money-back guarantee on the cream.
Blue Star Ointment is available at several retailers, including Amazon and Walmart.
Blue Star Ointment may provide temporary relief of some psoriasis symptoms.
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease. The immune system causes too much inflammation throughout the body, resulting in a speeding up of skin cell growth and development.
As a result, the unusually high number of skin cells can cause raised, scaly patches of skin to form. Different types of psoriasis present differently, but the symptoms often include:
- itching
- stinging
- burning
About 80–90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. “Plaques” are areas of thick, raised skin that can be scaly.
The makers of Blue Star Ointment say that it can relieve itchiness and a burning sensation associated with various health issues. They do not specifically mention psoriasis — and no studies have investigated how well this product works.
Blue Star Ointment contains 1.2% camphor. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends ointments or creams with camphor or menthol for relieving psoriasis-related itchiness. However, they also recommend using a moisturizer to counteract the drying effects of these products.
The National Psoriasis Foundation points out that the FDA approves camphor in topical products for treating itchiness. It adds that creams with camphor can cause increased irritation or dryness.
People with psoriasis may find that Blue Star Ointment helps reduce itchiness, but they may need to moisturize more to counteract any added dryness.
The makers of Blue Star Ointment say that it may help with a variety of conditions. It is unclear whether the product is tested by a third party to help confirm its quality and effects.
The makers say that it might help with:
- itchiness
- bug bites
- athlete’s foot
- ringworm
- eczema
- jock itch
- cracked or dry skin
- rashes
It is important to note that while Blue Star Ointment may relieve symptoms, it will not improve the underlying condition. Contact a healthcare professional if any unexplained symptoms do not clear up within a few days.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the most significant risk of using a camphor product is that it may dry the skin. To prevent this, anyone using this type of product, such as Blue Star Ointment, should also moisturize.
Blue Star Ointment is a topical cream. A person should:
- not ingest it
- avoid getting it near their eyes
- stop using it and contact a doctor if any signs of a reaction occur
Before using Blue Star Ointment or other topical products, discuss their suitability with a doctor. It is possible that Blue Star Ointment may not work well with other therapies or may cause unwanted reactions.
The best treatment plan for psoriasis often contains medical and home care approaches. A person should speak with a doctor about what therapies might work best for them.
Some common psoriasis treatments fall into these categories:
- topicals, which are prescription or over-the-counter creams, ointments, solutions, and moisturizers
- light therapy
- biologics, which are injected medications that treat psoriasis throughout the body
- complementary therapies, such as meditation or mindfulness training
The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends these nonprescription topicals for people with psoriasis:
- coal tar
- salicylic acid to help with removing scaly skin
- bath solutions, including oatmeal and Epsom salts
- fragrance-free moisturizers
- scale lifters, or keratolytics
- anti-itch ointments and creams, including calamine, camphor, or menthol
Blue Star Ointment is an over-the-counter itch cream. Its makers list several health conditions that their product may help with, but psoriasis is not one of them.
It contains camphor, which may help ease some psoriasis symptoms, though it may also dry out the area, so moisturizing is important.
Trying this product may involve minimal risk, but speak with a healthcare professional first to make sure that Blue Star Ointment will not cause unwanted effects or interactions with other treatments.