Essential oilsshould only be used to treat psoriasis under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

They are not a substitute forconventional treatments.

These symptoms can be distressing and even debilitating.

Dropper bottles of essential oils

Oleksandra Yagello / Getty Images

Some essential oils may be helpful in soothing symptoms when applied topically (on the skin).

They may also help with stress relief for those coping with the effects of psoriasis.Stress can triggera psoriasis flare.

It’s important to discuss using essential oils with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Products containing essential oils are typically intended to be applied to intact skin.

Psoriasis changes theskin barrier, which could affect how the product works.

Ingesting essential oils can cause serious side effects that may be life-threatening.

Tea tree oil should be used with care.

Never swallow tea tree oil.

More research is needed, but these results suggest chamomile could be a well-tolerated treatment for psoriasis.

When used in aromatherapy, lavender oil may help topromote sleepand relieve anxiety and stress.

Bergamot

Bergamotessential oil comes from the rind of the bergamot citrus fruit.

It may help soothe inflamed skin, and relieve symptoms of psoriasis.

It also found a reduction in the number of treatments compared to UVB treatment alone.

CBD should be considered a complementary treatment used with conventional psoriasis treatments, not in place of them.

Talk to your healthcare provider before using CBD, including over-the-counter products.

More studies are needed on the safety and efficacy of using CBD for medical treatments.

This could indicate anallergic reaction.

They need to be mixed with a carrier before topical system.

Typically, they can be mixed with fixed oils, ether, or alcohol.

Some essential oils can be irritating.

Essential oils aren’t government regulated, so there is no official grading system or certification to verify quality.

“Therapeutic grade” is a marketing term and can’t be used to determine quality.

Determining which products are good-quality can be difficult.

Lavender oil used in aromatherapy may help relieve stress and promote sleep.

CBD may also be useful for psoriasis, but more research on safety and efficacy is needed.

Essential oils should never be ingested or applied directly to the skin.

Carrier oils, such as coconut oil, should be used when applying essential oils topically.

Keep essential oils and products containing them out of reach of children.

Conventionaltreatments for psoriasisinclude topical treatments, UV therapy, traditional systemic medications, and biologics.

Always consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils to treat your psoriasis.

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