Essential Oils For Psoriasis: Do They Work?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes itchy plaques on the skin and makes it scaly and flaky. Multiple triggers like stress, UV exposure, and other environmental factors may cause flare-ups. While this auto-immune condition cannot be treated, many claim that you can use essential oils for psoriasis management. In this article, we discuss the essential oils that may help manage psoriasis and how you can use them. Keep reading to know more.

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).

Did You Know?

Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, LeAnn Rimes, and Cara Delevingne are some of the celebrities who have psoriasis.

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

1. Mix the two oils.
2. Apply the mixture to the affected area.
3. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and wash it off.
4. Apply it twice a day.

Why It Works

Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe psoriasis (7).

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

1. Combine the oils.
2. Apply the blend to the affected area.
3. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
4. Apply it 2-3 times a day.

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

1. Dilute geranium oil with coconut oil.
2. Apply the mixture to the affected area.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash it off.
4. Do this twice every day.

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

1. Mix the two oils.
2. Apply it over the affected skin.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then wash it off.
4. Apply twice daily.

Why It Works

Peppermint oil can reduce pruritus (itching), a common symptom 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

1. Mix the oils.
2. Dab it over the affected area with your finger or a cotton swab.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash off.
4. Apply twice daily.

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

1. Mix the hemp seed and carrier oils.
2. Apply the mixture to the affected area.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash it off.
4. Do this twice every day.

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

1. Mix frankincense oil with a carrier oil.
2. Apply the mixture to the affected area.
3. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and wash it off.
4. Apply it twice a day.

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.

Quick Tip

If these oils do not suit your skin, olive, almond, and argan oils are some other alternatives you may try for diluting 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy. She has more than 25 publications in local and international journals to her name. She is passionate about public and patient education...more

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Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. Her interest in staying updated on beauty and lifestyle...more