Essential Oils for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disorder which is thought to be triggered by an overly active immune system that makes skin quickly flake off. This quick replacement of cells leads to itchiness, irritation and the accumulation of new and dead cells on the skin surface. This leads to flaky, inflamed and red patches which can be embarrassing to sufferers if in exposed regions.

This skin disorder most commonly occurs on the joints like elbows and knees, but can also manifest itself on the scalp. While there are many types, plaque psoriasis is the most common.

Causes

The exact cause of this disease is still unknown, possible causes are a malfunctioned immune system, genetics, stress and excessive acidic PH in the body. The condition is however not contagious and can be treated with medications. It’s in extreme cases that it’s incurable and may last the patient’s entire life.

Treatment options

Psoriasis suddenly starts where it lasts for a few weeks or months at a time and suddenly goes into remission. This is why it’s not easy treating the condition. Though there are salves and steroid creams that help, many people prefer using essential oils. And because this is a chronic condition, it’s safer to use natural essential oils whenever there’s an attack instead of creams filled with chemicals.

Essential oils for psoriasis

Essential oils are ideal for treating the condition because of its antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. But because most oils are strong, it’s not recommended to directly apply the oil to the skin.

The oil has to be diluted with a carrier oil, or with standard toiletries like skin lotions and shampoos before use. Adding the oils to bath water is another viable option.

1. Patchouli essential oil

Patchouli essential oil prevents infections, eliminates swelling and redness. It also effectively removes the silvery plaque caps on joints to quickly clear your skin. The oil does not need dilution unless your skin is sensitive. Apply the oil to affected regions once or twice a day till the flare-up reduces.

2. Lavender oil

Lavender oil is a very therapeutic because it helps treat most skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, burns, and allergies. All thanks to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties that quickly heals and soothes dry and flaky skin. It also rejuvenates and promotes new skin growth.

3. Geranium essential oil  

Geranium is one of the best oils for treating this chronic skin disorder because it helps regenerate damaged tissue and stimulates the growth of new cells. In addition to this, its anti-inflammatory properties help eliminate the itching and discomfort of the skin condition.

Its effects are more pronounced when mixed with other carrier oils or gels like Aloe Vera or coconut oil. It soothes the inflamed skin patches and produces sufficient tissue.

4. Myrrh essential oil

Myrrh oil soothes chapped, flaky and cracked psoriasis skin with its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. The oil helps your body heal and restore new skin cells so that it quickly starts functioning properly.

Its antioxidants help in regulating the body immune system to minimize flare-ups. The oil is most effective for treating bad flare-ups.

Application: Just apply 4-5 drops of the oil to cracked or bleeding skin either undiluted or diluted with some jojoba oil.

5. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is another oil used mainly for this healing antiseptic, analgesic, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Applying the oil on your infected skin helps reduce inflammation and stimulates the immune system to prevent recurrent infections.

Regular use of the oil also helps improve the appearance of your skin by eliminating pain and itchiness. But don’t use the oil undiluted because it can worsen the condition. Instead, use it after mixing with a tablespoon of coconut oil and apply repeatedly on the skin till redness and pain disappear.

6. Sandalwood oil 

Sandalwood oil moisturizes the skin and seals and protects it from other infections and environmental irritants. It also works at reducing the pain and inflammation in the affected skin regions.

Application: Rub the oil on the affected skin after mixing ten drops with a tablespoon of coconut oil. You get the best results by applying the oil once or twice a day, especially before sleeping at night. The body heals the best and most as you sleep.

7. Chamomile oil

It’s possible to avoid possible flare-ups by moisturizing the skin and soothing discomfort at the first signs of a possible infection. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce pain on application.

Essential oils for psoriasis recipe: The oil gives best results if mixed with peppermint oil and applied to the inflamed region as often as required till the patch disappears.

Other effective psoriasis home remedies

• Hydration  

Hydrating the skin with moisturizers goes a long way in removing plaques and speeds up the healing process. Natural moisturizers like extra virgin olive oil are a good choice when applied to your skin once your skin feels dry.

• Sunlight

Vitamin D helps your skin, and exposure to sunlight is one of the best ways to get it. However do limit your exposure while keeping UV radiation in mind, and apply sunscreen to protect the unaffected skin.

• Apple cider vinegar

The raw enzymes and healthy bacteria of apple cider vinegar help relieve itchiness by soaking or rinsing the skin. But because it’s very acidic in nature, it’s better to not overuse it.

• Salt bath

You can get some respite from the itching and dryness by soaking the skin in Epsom salt infused lukewarm bath water.

• Aloe Vera 

When applied, aloe Vera significantly reduces the redness and scaling of psoriasis and also nourishes dry skin.

Be careful

Essential oils are indeed helpful at easing inflammation and regulating the body’s immune system when you suffer from the skin disorder. But its strong concentration can lead to negative reactions in some people.

Some people may be allergic to the oil’s source. People with sensitive skin may experience inflammatory and negative reactions upon topical application of the oils.

Because each oil is different, it’s important that you consult with your doctor before using itYour doctor will suggest which essential oil for psoriasis oil best suits your body and skin to treat symptoms and flare-ups.