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Aromacaring factsheet: Psoriasis
Psoriasis is generally considered to be non-curable condition. However, there is much that can be done to help alleviate the symptoms in order to makes life much more manageable.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a non-contagious thick scaling of the skin due to excessive cell production - resulting in raised plaques on the skin surface which can be irritating, flaky, dry, slivery, shiny or red (Erythrodermic Psoriasis) or Pustular in appearance. It more commonly affects the scalp, elbows, knees, nails and eyebrows or genital area. In some cases it can be more general and in severe cases it can accompany arthritic symptoms (Psoriatic arthritis).
Because Psoriasis can be mimicked by many conditions, it is important to get a formal diagnosis first before looking at alternative methods of treatment.
Conventional treatments
Small lesions - skin lubricants applied regularly can help moisturise problem areas. Your GP may suggest vegetable oils, petroleum jelly, coal tar or Anthralin.
Topical steroids - can be used with lubricating creams and are most effective if applied under polythene wrappings overnight. Topical steroids are rarely used long term but can be effective during flare-ups.
Scalp - 10% salicylic acid in mineral oil may be rubbed into the scalp at bedtime covered with a shower cap , then washed out the next morning.
Oral methotrexate (Amethopterin, Trexall) used to treat Psoriatic Arthritis by altering cell growth. it can take several weeks to show signs of working.
Etretinate and isotretinoin (Tegison) This drug has been taken off the market in the USA. It has many contraindications associated with it including liver disease, high cholesterol, Vitamin supplements, other supplements, exposure to sunlight, eye conditions and pregnancy.
Cyclosporine (Sandimmun) Contraindications include pregnancy, renal problems and caution with dietary supplements.
Coal tar - both as a shampoo and skin cream.
Phototherapy - sunlight (particularly UVA and UVB) seems to help improve the symptoms, however, phototherapy needs to be controlled as it can adversely affect topical skin preparations and increase the phototoxic effect of some essential oils.
Exacerbating factors - health and lifestyle
Alcohol and excessive consumption of animal fats and alcohol have found to have an exacerbating effect on psoriasis, therefore it would be wise to make changes to diet and lifestyle to help complement any other interventions you are using. Psoriasis also seems to be linked with stress, incomplete protein digestion, impaired liver function and bowel disease.
Complementary interventions
Diet - Psoriasis in the Eskimo population is virtually unheard of - probably due to their restricted diet and high fish oil intake. You need to look at cutting out animal fats, reducing alcohol intake and increasing foods that contain magnesium, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, and increase vegetable and fruit intake, vitamins, and foods that contain selenium, potassium, and zinc.
Skin creams - Psoriasis can be helped if the skin is kept well-hydrated with moisturising creams to prevent cracking, soreness and prevent infection penetrating broken areas of skin. The addition of essential oils can help to enhance the soothing and healing effect of a moisturising base, can help to prevent infection and can make treatment much more pleasant and manageable.
Supplements - Not only topical hydration is useful but also hydration and moisturising from within - hence the reported usefulness of essential fatty acid supplements such as evening primrose, borage oil (starflower oil), flax seed oil or fish oils - all rich sources of amino acids, vitamins and omega oils.
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Essential oils and carrier oils |
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Consult with
your GP first before using any form of Complementary Therapy |
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| Symptom | Essential oils | Carrier/base | Application |
| Plaques | Bergamot | Chose from below to suit skin type | 2-3 times daily on problem areas |
| Inflammation | Sandalwood, Chamomile (Roman or German), Helichrysum | Calendula, Evening primrose, Aloe vera gel, Witch hazel, Jojoba, Macadamia (on healing), Hypericum | Light topical application or spray |
| Dry skin | Jasmine, Geranium, Sandalwood | Avocado, Coconut, Sweet almond, Hazelnut (absorbed quickly and may need frequent application), Jojoba, peanut (caution: nut allergies) | Massage or topical cream |
| Irritation | Geranium, Lavender, Melissa, | Calendula, Evening primrose, Aloe vera gel, Witch hazel | Massage or topical cream |
| Flaking | Tea tree | Avocado, Calendula, coconut (fractionated fro sterility), Jojoba | Massage or topical cream |
| De-scaling | Juniper (Bartram 95) | Sweet Almond | 2% dilution, work into plaques to soften skin then remove debris with a soft brush or mildly abrasive cloth |
| Scarring | Lavender, Helichrysum | Wheatgerm, Calendula, Evening Primrose, Borage, Vitamin E, Carrot seed, Castor oil, Rosehip | Massage or topical cream |
| Infection | Tea tree, Lavender | Sterile bases such as rosewater or witch hazel, Calendula (on healing) | Spray, irrigation Seek medical advice first |
Topical Vitamin preparations are also being considered for their effectiveness with studies causing some interest. This section will be updated as news on progress is published.
Dead Sea Salt Baths - are high in magnesium, potassium and bromine with lots of documented success. The salts are also able to hold essential oils making their combined use in bath preparations very effective.
Information sources
Links to sources, definitions and articles are contained within the text.
Additional information
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The Psoriasis web directory |
Bartram T (1995) Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine. Christchurch. Grace Publishers
Belch J J, Hill A (2000) Evening primrose oil and borage oil in rheumatologic conditions. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Jan;71(1 Suppl):352S-6S
Fleischer A B, Feldman S R, Rapp S R, Reboussin D M, Exum M L, Clark A R (1996) Alternative therapies commonly used within a population of patients with psoriasis. Cutis; cutaneous medicine for the practitioner Sep;58(3):216-20
Murray M, Pizzorno J (1998) Encyclopaedia of natural medicine. London: Little, Brown and Co.
Walsh D (1996) Using aromatherapy in the management of psoriasis. Nursing Standard. December 18;11(13-15):53-6
© Jane Ellwood February 2002