Jojoba Oil, Psoriasis and Treatments
Psoriasis is a skin condition and there are 6 types: Plaque - where about 90% of people who have Psoriasis, have this type. It is a dry, red, raised lesion covered with silvery scales that may shed. It usually effects, elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Rarely but it can appear anywhere including genitals and mouth. Guttate - usually affects people under 30 and shows up similar to Plaque but is smaller and looks more like water drops. They can appear suddenly and usually follows colds or upper respiratory infections. Strep throat can trigger the condition. It appears on the trunk, arms, legs, and scalp. Inverse (Seborrheic) - Usually develops in skin folds like armpits, groin, under breasts, genitals, buttocks and behind the ears. Friction and sweating stimulates the condition. An overweight person is more likely to get this and starts off red with little to no scaling and possible shiny. Pustular - The hallmark of this is white blisters surrounded by red skin. It sometimes follows fever, chills, and severe itching. Triggers can be pregnancy, and medications with steroids. Erythrodermic - This is the least common and will result in inflammation, itching and red rash that can be painful. It may peel and often covers the entire body. Severe sunburn may be a trigger. Psoriatic arthritis - This develops about 5 - 10 years after the original diagnosis with joint pain and stiffness at body joints.
There are a few oils recommended for herbal treatment of Psoriasis; Tea Tree, Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil, Rosehip Oil, Primrose, Apricot Oil and Jojoba Oil. This article will discuss Jojoba Oil. Since it is a wax versus oil application is easier and clothes won’t soil as with true oils. Cost is a concern. However when searching for a treatment look at the ingredients and you might find Jojoba oil included.
Treating affected areas:
Depending on the severity you should always talk with your physician.
For the scalp: For extreme psoriasis rub a handful or pure jojoba oil on your scalp and let it set there for up to 30 minutes and do this about 3-4 times a week. Then use a prescription or over the counter psoriasis shampoo. Once the condition is less severe you may consider adding up to 1 oz. of oil to your favorite shampoo or make diluted treatments such as Aloe Vera Gel and Jojoba Oil at 2:1 and add liquid Vitamin A. You could create a mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and Jojoba Oil mixed with your favorite shampoo. There are other treatments and they can be found by searching the internet.
For other areas on exposed skin apply the oil directly to the affected area and let it dry. Do this daily and within a few weeks the condition should reduce to a less than noticeable skin condition.
For skin folds you should wash the area to remove bacteria. Dry the affected area completely and apply to oil. Since jojoba oil will dry to a waxy state applying powder within the flap should not be a problem. If other true oils are used, applying skin powder may make the area messy and you have the potential to soil clothes. Each person’s body functions differently and therefore applying powder after putting on the jojoba oil may not work. So experiment. Since you are applying the oil to a skin fold the treatment may take longer than an affected exposed skin area.
