Psoriasis is an extremely irritating and unpredictable skin disorder that affects many individuals worldwide. While modern pharmaceutical treatments are having a hard time keeping the condition under control, aloe vera for psoriasis treatment has shown to be an effective alternative.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to multiply at considerably faster rates than normal. Due to the sheer amount of skin cells that spring into existence in a limited area, they cause the formation of red plaques, covered in white scales. Psoriasis normally occurs on the elbows, knees, torso, scalp, palm and feet; but can also affect nails and joints.
While there are many types of psoriasis and the symptoms encountered can vary; the itchiness and pain associated with rapid decay of skin cells can be extremely hard to cope with. It is also worth mentioning that the areas of skin affected by psoriasis are also prone to secondary fungal and bacterial infections.
While psoriasis has no definitive cure, the aim of its treatment is to control the rate at which skin cells multiply, keep secondary infections at bay, and keep symptoms to a minimum.
Aloe Vera for Psoriasis Treatment
Aloe vera has been used for decades as an active ingredient in many skin care products and has shown to be effective in treating numerous skin afflictions. Aloe vera has also shown great results in treating the symptoms of Psoriasis.
Aloe vera is ideal for psoriasis treatment due to its powerful hydrating properties. It deeply moisturizes the skin, thus preventing irritation, dryness, and flaking; while also reducing the thickness of psoriasis plaques.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties, aloe vera can help reduce itchiness, swelling, and redness associated with psoriasis.
Fresh Aloe vera gel also contains a wide variety of anti-oxidants and essential nutrients that help keep skin cells healthy.
It is worth mentioning that, aloe vera also has mild antifungal and antibacterial properties that are effective at staving of secondary infections that can occur with psoriasis. It discourages bacterial growth and protects the skin from external aggression.
Methods of using Aloe Vera for Psoriasis Treatment
There are many ways of using aloe vera for psoriasis treatment, however, the most effective method is the simplest. We recommend using fresh aloe vera gel which is relatively easy to come across. You can either buy a fresh aloe leaf of grow the entire plant at home and use the leaves as soon as they are grown.
Simply cut open the leaf, make a few cuts in the gel within and rub it over your affected area. If you are having a day in which the itchiness is particularly unpleasant, we recommend adding fresh lemon juice over the aloe vera gel and then gently rubbing it over the problem area.
Leave the aloe vera gel overnight and then simply wash it off in the morning with slightly cool water. Apply the aloe vera gel about 3 times a day, or at any time when you feel psoriasis flaring up.
Alternatively, you can use aloe vera in combination with other essential oils to help lock in the moisturizing effect and profit from the healing effects of these oils.
Beneficial oils to be used in combination with Aloe Vera for Psoriasis Treatment:
- Coconut Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Garlic Oil
- Menthol
- Tea Tree Oil
Author’s Note
References:
- Clinical Pharmacology of Aloe Vera in the Treatment of Psoriasis
- Botanical Agents for the Treatment of Psoriasis
If you enjoyed this DIY tutorial but still want more, we recommend this particularly useful one: Sugar Scrub DIY Recipe.
If you would like more details on the subject or if you have any questions, objections, hateful comments or highly deserved praises to offer please do not hesitate to leave a comment.
Also, if you have a product that you would like me to review and research, I gladly welcome the challenge.
[ssm_form id=’1341′]
2 Responses
My dad has psoriasis. I’m going to have him try this! Aloe has a lot of health benefits. You can check out http://www.aloearborescens.org to learn about all that it can help with.
Hi Candy! Thank you for providing additional resources to our article. I really hope that this will provide some comfort to your father – keep us posted. Welcome to the community!