Is Coconut Oil Good for Psoriasis Treatment?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes painful, itchy, scaly patches called plaques on the skin. Although conventional treatment can help treat plaque, some people refer to coconut oil as an effective treatment.
However, there is no current scientific research that supports this as an effective treatment or as a cure.
Taking this into account, coconut oil is an effective moisturizer, and while it doesn’t directly help reduce the size and area of psoriatic scales, it can soothe the dryness that accompanies it.
There is no complete cure available for psoriasis, but your doctor can help you manage your symptoms with medication. However, it can also help relieve symptoms by using natural or home remedies.
Remember that home remedies may help some people and not others, and help in one relapse and not in others.
This article reviews the effectiveness of coconut oil as a treatment for psoriasis as well as other home remedies.
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, and applying it can help reduce dry skin, especially in winter.
This oil is available at most health food stores, either in its pure form or in lotions and ointments.
If a person has psoriatic plaques on the scalp, the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends massaging the oil into the scalp.
For children with psoriasis, the National Psoriasis Foundation also recommends adding coconut oil to a warm bath to soothe the skin as an alternative to a traditional oatmeal bath. Pat the skin dry after bathing without vigorous scrubbing.
Mixing coconut oil with aloe vera can also increase its skin softening properties.
Despite this anecdotal evidence, the Complete Natural Medicines Database suggests that there is currently insufficient evidence available to suggest coconut oil as an effective treatment for psoriasis.
Researchers have studied the application of treatment before using ultraviolet light therapy, but the results are inconclusive. side effects
As a topical treatment, coconut oil is a safe option without many, if any, side effects. However, it rarely serves as an effective treatment for psoriasis on its own. It is commonly used as a moisturizing therapy, in addition to other treatments.
Coconut oil may cause an allergic reaction if a person has a sensitivity to it. An allergic reaction will cause redness, itching, and additional warmth at the point of contact on the skin.
What causes plaque in psoriasis?
Psoriasis disrupts the immune system, instructing the body to grow skin cells faster than normal – in days, not weeks.
The body does not shed these skin cells as it normally would. Instead, cells begin to accumulate in the skin, leading to the formation of plaques characteristic of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that is usually inherited through family or environmental factors, but is not contagious. However, the autoimmune nature of psoriasis means that a full cure is not yet possible.
While coconut oil can’t reverse this process of overproduction of skin cells, it can provide temporary moisture and relief.
Other natural treatments for psoriasis
While topical ointments, oral and intravenous medications, and light therapy are available to treat psoriasis symptoms, a variety of natural and alternative remedies have shown positive effects on psoriatic plaques.
Calming alternative and home remedies for psoriasis may include the following:
Aloe Vera And Propolis
The combination of aloe vera and propolis, a natural bee product, showed promising effects on psoriasis in a 2018 study.
Fish Oil
Incorporating certain fatty acids in the diet can help maintain normal body functions and prevent anomalies of the skin.
Probiotics
Some microbial supplements may help regulate the immune system, such as Bifidobacterium infantis, according to this 2013 study. This may help reduce the inflammatory effects of psoriasis.
Baths with colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that baths containing oats or Epsom salts can relieve symptoms. Applying a moisturizer afterwards can also help retain moisture in the skin.
Sun Exposure
Phototherapy is the recognized treatment for psoriasis, because ultraviolet (UV) light slows the growth of skin cells. Natural sunlight also contains UV rays, and 5 to 10 minutes of exposure to the sun at its highest point, around noon, can have a similar effect.
Several studies support natural remedies as psoriasis treatments. Much of the evidence supporting its use is anecdotal, and controlled studies provide inconclusive results.