What Is Psoriasis, And What Are Its Causes?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes raised itchy plaques, flakes, and scales on the skin. It is not contagious and the cause is unknown. A survey was conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation to find out the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) for psoriasis in 2018. Most respondents were female (68.5%), and the majority were white (84.1%). 41% of respondents used alternative therapies, and those with severe psoriasis were more likely to use them than those with nonsevere psoriasis, and 42.7% would recommend these therapies to others. However, certain factors can trigger the symptoms and cause flare-ups, which may last for weeks or even months. Here are some of the triggers you should look out for:
Stress: Stressful events may cause psoriatic flare-ups and increase the lesions (1). You can relieve stress by trying relaxation techniques and meditation and working with a therapist.
Skin Injuries: The Koebner phenomenon states that a skin injury or trauma in patients with psoriasis may trigger new psoriatic lesions and inflammations. For instance, injuries like scratches, incisions, viral infections, and radiation exposure may cause psoriasis flare-ups (2).
Medical Conditions: Medical conditions like depression and cardiometabolic syndromes can affect the immune system and cause psoriatic flare-ups. You may experience redness, itchy plaques, lesions, and scaling. Other existing conditions like cardiovascular diseases, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, diabetes, and arthritis may also cause flare-ups (3),(4). Some medications, like beta-blockers, synthetic antimalarials, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lithium, and tetracyclines, used to treat various conditions may trigger flare-ups(5).
Environmental Factors: Extreme weather conditions and factors like humidity and sunlight may cause flare-ups .
Other Factors: Certain foods, allergies, alcohol can trigger psoriatic inflammation (6), (3).
Essential oils are common home remedies to manage psoriasis flare-ups. Here are some essential oils that you may try.
Essential Oils That May Help Manage Psoriasis
1. Tea Tree Oil
You Will Need
2-4 drops of tea tree oil 1-2 tablespoons of any carrier oil
How To Use It Why It Works Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe itchiness, redness, and inflammation (7). Hence, many skin care enthusiasts believe in using tea tree oil for psoriasis.
2. Lavender Oil
You Will Need
4-5 drops of lavender oil 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil 1-2 drops of peppermint oil (optional)
How To Use It Why It Works Lavender oil contains major phytoconstituents linalool and linalyl acetate, which can soothe psoriatic inflammation (8).
3. Geranium Oil
You Will Need
2-4 drops of geranium oil 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
How To Use It Why It Works Geranium can be used to soothe psoriasis symptoms. A study showed that the anti-inflammatory properties of rose geranium reduced inflammation during psoriasis flare-ups (9), (10) .
4. Peppermint Oil
You Will Need
3-7 drops of peppermint oil 1-3 tablespoons of carrier oil
How To Use It Why It Works Peppermint oil is one of the most recommended essential oils for itching. It can also curb inflammation and alleviate symptoms of psoriasis (11).
5. Chamomile Oil
You Will Need
3-5 drops of chamomile oil 1-2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
How To Use It Why It Works Chamomile is often used to soothe inflammation and psoriasis flare-ups (12). It also helps relieve stress, a major trigger for psoriasis inflammation.
6. Hemp Seed Oil
You Will Need
2-5 drops of hemp seed oil 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil
How To Use It Why It Works Hemp seed oil can relieve dryness, inflammation, and itching caused by psoriasis and help soothe the skin (13).
7. Frankincense Oil For Psoriasis
You Will Need
3-5 drops of frankincense oil 1-2 tablespoons of any carrier oil (coconut oil or jojoba oil)
How To Use It Why It Works Frankincense oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe swelling, itchiness, and irritation associated with psoriasis (14). Essential oils should not be used alone. You have to mix them with carrier oils before applying them to the skin. Here is a list of carrier oils you can use.
Carrier Oils To Pair With Essential Oils
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be used alone or in combination with other essential oils to reduce psoriatic inflammation . Research shows that coconut oil, paired with salicylic acid, coal tar, and other ingredients, can minimize psoriasis symptoms (15). Ayurveda promotes Winsoria oil (a herbal coconut-based oil) to manage psoriasis (16). Coconut oil may help improve inflammation and scales formed on the scalp due to psoriasis (17), (18).
2. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil helps manage psoriasis symptoms (19). It also has antifungal properties and can speed up wound healing.
3. Castor Oil for Psoriasis
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties. It may help soothe psoriatic inflammation (20). Castor oil can be applied to the skin directly or used as a base with other essential oils. Essential oils are known as potential allergens. You have to be careful while using them to avoid any adverse effects.
Side Effects Of Essential Oils
If you are allergic to essential oils, they may worsen your condition and cause:
Redness Itching Hives Dryness Swelling
Consult a doctor and perform a patch test before using oils and other natural remedies. Is CBD oil good for psoriasis? CBD contains anti-inflammatory effects that may aid in treating skin disorders such as psoriasis. However, more research is needed in this regard. Hence, it is recommended to consult with a physician before using it (21). Is rosemary oil good for psoriasis? Anecdotal evidence suggests that rosemary’s anti-inflammatory properties may help treat chronic skin disorders such as psoriasis.
Learn about the use of essential oils in psoriasis. Take a look at this video to learn more about when and how to use these oils effectively to soothe your skin and manage psoriasis symptoms.
