Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy that some people with psoriasis use to help manage symptoms like itching, redness, and plaques. It has known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it works best as a complementary therapy — meaning alongside your regular psoriasis treatments, not as a replacement.
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Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy that some people with psoriasis use to help manage symptoms like itching, redness, and plaques. It has known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it works best as a complementary therapy — meaning alongside your regular psoriasis treatments, not as a replacement.
Always speak with your doctor or dermatologist before trying it. How to use it safely:
- Never apply tea tree oil directly to skin — always dilute it first
- Mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with about 12 drops of a carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, or olive oil work well)
- Do a patch test first: apply the mixture to unaffected skin and wait 48 hours to check for a reaction
- If no reaction occurs, apply gently to affected areas and let it absorb
- Alternatively, look for lotions, shampoos, or moisturizers that already contain tea tree oil — great for scalp psoriasis especially
Never swallow tea tree oil — it is poisonous if ingested. Risks to be aware of:
- Some people experience allergic reactions, including stinging, burning, or breathing difficulties
- It may cause skin irritation that could make psoriasis symptoms appear worse
- Essential oils are not FDA-regulated, so buy from a trustworthy source and look for 100% pure tea tree oil
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use
One MyPsoriasisTeam member shared that tea tree oil helped with itchiness but caused breathing difficulties, likely due to a tree allergy. Everyone's skin is different, so proceed with caution! On the positive side, many MyPsoriasisTeam members have had good experiences. One member shared a DIY blend of coconut oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil that they use on their scalp, face, and body. Another found relief from itching and redness using an organic coconut oil and tea tree oil mixture.
Results vary from person to person, so it may take some experimenting to find what works best for you.
October 21
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