Coconut oil: Is it an effective home remedy for psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a persistent skin disease that can appear at any time in your life. It is a skin condition that causes itchy, scaly, and sometimes red patches and can be difficult to treat. Although it can appear anywhere on the skin, it is most commonly found near the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. While it can be irritating, there is one possible home remedy for psoriasis that can help: coconut oil. It has antibacterial and antifungal qualities that can effectively reduce the discomfort caused by psoriasis. Here’s how coconut oil improves psoriasis symptoms and how to use it.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes thick scaly patches on the surface of the skin that can turn red and itchy. These patches can appear anywhere in the body but especially show up near the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, as found in a study published in the ClinMed Journal.

“In Ayurveda, psoriasis is triggered due to an imbalance in the doshas, which leads to the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body. Usually, pitta imbalance patients face higher chances of skin disorders like urticaria, pimples, acne, rosacea, and psoriasis, due to high metabolic fire and inflammation. Although psoriasis also happens to vata and kapha prakriti patients on account of accumulated toxins under the skin, due to poor diet and lifestyle habits,” says Ayurveda coach Dimple Jangda.

What are the causes of psoriasis?

There are multiple causes of psoriasis, which include a mix of genes, immune system issues, and lifestyle factors. However, more research is needed to prove the claim. Lifestyle factors that can worsen psoriasis include unhealthy diet, stress, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol. “According to Ayurveda, unhealthy eating habits can lead to problems which can make it difficult to digest food, which can lead to a buildup of toxins in the gut. The body might try to get rid of these toxins through the skin, leading to psoriasis flare-ups,” explains the expert.

Symptoms of psoriasis

Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person based on the severity of the condition. Here are some of the common symptoms of psoriasis as per a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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• It can cause red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales on your body.
• Your skin may tend to get dry and start cracking or peeling and sometimes can lead to bleeding.
• It can even lead to itching, burning, or soreness on the skin.
• The nails tend to get thick and become ridged.
• One may also experience swollen and stiff joints which is a symptom of psoriatic arthritis.

Coconut oil: Is it a good home remedy for psoriasis?

Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser and has anti-inflammatory properties, found a study published in the Journal Of Dermatology and Clinical Research. Moisturisation is an important factor to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.

“It is an excellent natural remedy for psoriasis as it helps with reducing dryness, and itchy and flaky skin. It helps lock the moisture in the skin and thus reduces inflammation. Coconut oil also helps soothe the skin and reduce redness and swelling caused due to inflammation. It promotes skin barrier repair and regeneration. Coconut oil is a rich source of fatty acids, particularly lauric acid which helps soothe and hydrate the skin. It has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infection and cracked skin,” says the expert.

How to use coconut oil for psoriasis?

Here are some effective ways of using coconut oil as a home remedy for psoriasis, as explained by the expert.

1. Coconut oil and turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-microbial properties that help soothe and heal the skin, as per a study published in the Foods MDPI Journal. This combination together helps to reduce symptoms of psoriasis. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Method:

• Take 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
• Mix them and rub them between the palms so they become a warm and liquid-like mixture.
• Gently apply this on the affected areas and leave it on for as long as you can.

2. Coconut oil and honey

Honey is rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, according to a study published in the Pharmacognosy Research Journal. This combined with coconut oil can help you deal with the skin condition. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Method:

• Mix coconut oil with equal parts of honey and apply this on psoriasis patches.
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera helps to soothe the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties which is excellent for the skin, as per a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology. This combination together helps to treat psoriasis. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Method:

• Mix coconut oil with equal parts of aloe vera gel and coconut oil.
• Gently massage the mixture to the affected area until it gets dissolved into the skin.

What are the side effects of coconut oil for psoriasis?

There are no serious side effects of coconut oil unless you have a specific allergy to coconut oil itself. In some cases, it may clog pores and lead to acne for those with sensitive skin. Hence it is advisable to clean your skin properly after every use. You can make a natural cleanser at home with gram flour (besan), turmeric, and yoghurt. Also, before using coconut oil for psoriasis, do not forget to consult your healthcare professional.