Be Comfortable in your Skin – Psoriasis
During the summer months when many are stripping off and slipping into swimming costumes, there is 2% of the population who are are not feeling so comfortable with them doing that, because their skin is literally attacking itself.
When you suffer from psoriasis, which is an autoimmune system disease, your body produces skin cells at a faster than your body needs. The result is inflamed skin and a scaly build-up of skin on the body. You will find that psoriasis is most often found in the areas of elbows, palms, lower back, legs, soles of the feet face and even your scalp.
The cause of this overactivity or how to stop (cure) it, is still not known. The best that sufferers can hope for are remedies to help manage it.
Topical Treatment
Topical application is the common method of managing psoriasis, where the condition is not extreme enough to need a dermatologist. Essential oils offer the option of helping you to relieve many of the milder symptoms.
In this post, I include the top essential oils and bases for topical application. Medically your Doctor will probably treat Psoriasis with immunosuppressant drugs and retinoid such as steroids and cyclosporine. As you would expect this post is for those who want a way of managing their symptoms without the side effects that come with drugs.
Whilst the exact cause of Psoriasis is not known. Here are some of what is considered to be the contributing factors: poor diet, abnormal small intestine permeability, low performing liver, an increase of a type of cell in the dermis and epidermis, protein, digesting problems, stress, changing hormone levels, hereditary factors, Vitamin D deficiency.
It is best to take a holistic approach to alleviate any imbalance in body functions and as you would expect, a holistic approach would seek to address, emotional stress, exercise, water consumption, healthy eating approach, as well as other alternative treatments and topical treatments.
For now, though, I share suggestions for the top oils we use in our topical creams. You will find one or more of these oils in our “off the shelf” blends. These are the main oils we will use to make up specific remedies for you if you are a sufferer.
Top Essential Oils and Bases to Help Relieve Psoriasis Symptoms
Tea Tree – Tea Tree and Lavender are the two most scientifically tested oils. Not surprisingly the antipsoriatic effect of the TTO in this oil has been scientifically proven.
Lavender – The anti-inflammatory properties of Lavender helps to sooth the skin inflamed by Psoriasis.
Frankincense – This oil is particularly useful for bringing relief to the more severe psoriasis areas.
Myrrh – This is one of the better oils for helping the healing of the areas where the skin has become chapped, flaky or has even cracked.
Geranium – Helps to improve circulation in the affection areas and reduce inflammation. Has the additional emotional benefit of relieving stress a factor that aggravates psoriasis.
Vanillin – Recent research (from Hsiang) is suggesting that vanillin not only helps to reduce symptoms but is also helping to prevent them. So in our formulations, we are using Co2.
Bases
Because essential oils must always be diluted in a base, unless you are making up a purpose made salve or balm then here are our two preferred bases.
Coconut Oil – This provides a gentle and moisturizing base that contributes to the overall anti-inflammatory effects of your topical application.
Aloe Vera Gel – this is already moisturizing and nourishing to normal skin, however, it is extremely soothing to psoriasis suffers. Keep Aloe Vera Gel refrigerated for freshness.
Other:
Vitamin E – Another ingredient that science has linked to the reduction of psoriasis symptoms.
Simple Soothing Blend
Lavender – 3 Drops
Frankincense – 3 Drops
Coconut Oil – 1 Teaspoon
Mix the essential oil drops into the coconut oil, then rub gently into the affecting area.
Give this recipe a try and then post a comment on your experience.
