Several animals adapt a variety of strategies for skin health and to deal with skin-borne parasites. Many mammals topically apply leaves, arthropods or other aromatic materials to their skin.

Capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) are known to rub their fur with several species of citrus fruits, leaves and stems of Piper marginatum and Clemetis dioica (Ranunculaceae). Such “fur rubbing” is a typical behavior of a variety of primates. Citrus being pungent and stimulating due to its volatile oil composition is known to have analgesic, insecticidal and antimicrobial properties.

Carnivorous white-nosed Coatis ( Nasua narica) is reported to rub into its fur resin of the tree Trattinickia aspera. The resin contained in the resin ducts of the tree oozes out on scratching and it has a pleasant camphoraceous odor. The animals are observed to travel long distances to reach the trees. They scratch the tree wounds to allow the resin to flow out and they were seen to enjoy rubbing it with their paws over their entire bodies. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of triterpenes, amyrin, selinene and sesquiterpene lactones in the resin. The animals are possibly using the resin for its soothing stimulant effect or are seeking to get relief due to the insecticidal and parasitic effect of the resin.

Kodiak bears ( Ursus arctos) reputedly dig up roots of Ligusticum wallichii and L.porteri called Osha roots by native Americans. The bears chew the root and rub the root saliva mixture into their fur. This is called “bear-medicine” following the human use of the root by the natives as a topical anaesthetic and anti-bacterial for external wounds and bruises. Osha root is reported to contain lactone glycosides, alkaloids, phytosterols, saponins, ferulic acid, volatile terpenes and fixed oil. It is said to have an analgesic and antiviral effect and hence chewing may deliver additional medicinal effect to the bears.

Neotropical Capuchin monkeys of Cebus genus are reported to rub and roll over their skin, millipedes that secrete toxic benzoquinones. This is to benefit from the insect-repellant properties of benzoquinones, which will be especially protective against insect attack during rainy season.

Several species of monkeys, lemurs and birds are known to anoint themselves with millipedes.