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

Psoriasis is a persistent skin disease that can appear at any point in your life. It’s a skin condition that causes itching, scaling 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 a potential psoriasis home remedy 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 be red and itchy. These spots can appear anywhere on the body, but especially appear near the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, as found in a study published in the ClinMed Journal.

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

What are the causes of psoriasis?

There are many causes of psoriasis, which include a mix of genes, immune system issues, and lifestyle factors. However, more research is needed to substantiate the claim. Lifestyle factors that can make psoriasis worse include unhealthy diet, stress, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol. “According to Ayurveda, unhealthy eating habits can lead to problems that can make it difficult to digest food, which can lead to a build-up of toxins in the intestines. The body may 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 depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some of the common symptoms of psoriasis according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

• It can cause red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales on your body.
• Your skin may tend to dry out and start to crack or peel and sometimes it can lead to bleeding.
• It can even lead to itching, burning or pain in the skin.
• Nails tend to become thick and 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 moisturizer and has anti-inflammatory properties, found a study published in the Journal Of Dermatology and Clinical Research. Hydration is an important factor in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis.

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

How to use coconut oil for psoriasis?

Here are some effective ways to use 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, according to a study published in the Foods MDPI Journal. This combination together helps reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. However, more research is needed to substantiate the claim.

Ingredients:

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

Method:

• Take 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
• We mix them and rub them between the palms so that they become a warm and liquid mixture.
• Apply it gently to 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 substantiate the claim.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey

method:

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

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera helps soothe the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for the skin, according to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology. This combination together helps in the treatment of psoriasis. However, more research is needed to substantiate the claim.

Ingredients:

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

Method:

• Mix coconut oil with equal parts aloe vera gel and coconut oil.
• Gently massage the mixture into the affected area until it dissolves 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 can clog pores and lead to breakouts for those with sensitive skin. It is therefore advisable to clean your skin properly after each use. You can make a natural cleanser at home with gram flour (besan), turmeric and yogurt. Also, before using coconut oil for psoriasis, remember to consult your doctor.