Help Manage Psoriasis Symptoms With Coconut

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes red dry flakes, silvery-white skin scales, and plaques of thickened skin. While doctors might recommend topical medications for this condition, there are natural and effective remedies that can help us manage psoriasis.

One of nature’s best tool against psoriasis is coconut oil. 

Several studies have proven the effectiveness of coconut oil in removing dead and dry skin cells, and softening the skin and retaining its moisture, thus preventing it from drying and scaling. Thanks to its lauric, capric, and caprylic acids which has skin-soothing effects on the skin.

Since, skin damage in psoriasis can be triggered by infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungus, it’s necessary that the medications we should be applying on our skin have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. When it comes to this requirement, coconut oil is one of the best. Its fatty acids and monoglycerides are the ones responsible for its antimicrobial and anti-fungal activities that help reduce the risk of skin infections and irritation and were found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus that causes infections in people with psoriasis.

Tips On Using Coconut Oil For Psoriasis

When using coconut oil to manage symptoms of psoriasis, it’s best that we use organic virgin coconut oil. For this, remedy, a topical application is recommended.

For scalp psoriasis, use hair oil and shampoos that contain coconut oil. Simply massaging the oil into the scalp is also found to be effective. For this method, we need to wrap the scalp in a towel or shower cap after massaging it with oil and leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes. Wash the hair and scalp with shampoo. 

Coconut oil can also be added to a warm bath to soothe the skin. Pat the skin dry after the bath without vigorously rubbing it.

Apply it directly on the affected area 1-2 times daily and gently massage the skin to increase skin moisture and remove scales.

We can mix coconut oil with aloe vera to enhance its skin-softening properties.

The oil can be combined with other essential oils for topical applications.

One to two tsp of coconut oil can also be included in our diet to help manage the condition.