Psoriasis Treatments/Psoriasis Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Coconut Oil for Psoriasis: Can It Help Scalp Symptoms?

Medically reviewed by Kelsey Stalvey, Pharm.D.

Written by Sarah Winfrey and Victoria Menard

Updated on October 19, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Coconut oil is a natural remedy that some people with scalp psoriasis try to help soothe dry, irritated skin, though research on its effectiveness is limited.
Coconut oil may help moisturize skin and ease symptoms like flaking and itching, but it does not treat the underlying inflammation that causes psoriasis. Some people may also have an allergic reaction to coconut oil, which could make symptoms worse rather than better.
Talking with a dermatologist or healthcare provider is an important step before adding coconut oil or any new product to your psoriasis care routine, since what works for one person may not work for another.

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Coconut oil is a natural remedy some people try for scalp psoriasis. It may help soothe dry, irritated skin, but evidence on the effectiveness of natural remedies for scalp psoriasis varies.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-related inflammatory disease. Although there’s no cure, treatments and at-home care may help relieve symptoms such as dry skin, itching, and scaling.

Is coconut oil good for psoriasis symptoms on your scalp? Some members of MyPsoriasisTeam have tried it to manage their psoriasis symptoms alongside traditional treatments. In this article, we’ll consider the potential benefits of coconut oil and how it can be used to manage psoriasis symptoms.

🗳️ Have you tried coconut oil for scalp psoriasis?

Yes, and it helped.

Yes, but it didn’t help.

No, but I’m interested.

No, and I’m not interested.

Research on Coconut Oil and Psoriasis

Coconut oil is an oil pressed from fresh or dried coconut meat. It may help moisturize dry skin, but there’s limited research showing that coconut oil itself improves psoriasis.

Studies have shown virgin coconut oil to be a safe and effective moisturizer. Moisturizers — also known as emollients — keep the skin hydrated.

Moisturizers can be beneficial in managing scalp psoriasis symptoms such as flaking, itching, and skin discoloration, though they likely don’t reduce the inflammation that causes symptoms. Although over-the-counter moisturizers like coconut oil may not be a substitute for prescription psoriasis medication, they help keep the skin hydrated and help it heal.

Potential Risks of Using Coconut Oil on the Scalp

In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction (allergic dermatitis) to coconut oil. For these individuals, using coconut oil could make symptoms worse instead of improving them. As one MyPsoriasisTeam member warned, “I started to use natural coconut oil on my skin for a week, but it burnt my skin.”

Everyone’s psoriasis is different. What’s helpful for one person with psoriasis may not help your symptoms. Always talk to your doctor before beginning a new treatment or product, even if it’s considered natural.

MyPsoriasisTeam Members on Coconut Oil for Scalp Psoriasis

Some members of MyPsoriasisTeam have shared their experiences using coconut oil to soothe and manage their psoriasis symptoms. One member said, “Coconut oil works well as a lotion because of my very dry skin.” They found that using coconut oil in combination with vitamin D was the most effective.

Another member shared, “Coconut oil and vitamin C are really helping my elbows.”

Another member appreciated coconut oil’s moisturizing benefits. They said, “I’ve been using coconut oil on my skin … My body is as soft as a baby’s bottom.”

For Scalp Psoriasis

As some MyPsoriasisTeam members have noted, coconut oil may help manage symptoms of scalp psoriasis.

“I get psoriasis on my scalp,” wrote one member. “Coconut oil … seemed to work slightly slower (about a week) but strengthened my hair and made my scalp less irritated, once the dry skin had cleared.”

This member also noted the smell was pleasant and the oil was easy to remove, unlike some products for plaque psoriasis on the scalp.

Another MyPsoriasisTeam member shared that they used a combination of coconut oil and argan oil on their hair and scalp after using a clobetasol liquid solution. They said, “It helps!”

Coconut Oil Versus Other Topical Scalp Psoriasis Treatments

There are several treatment options for scalp psoriasis. If your scalp psoriasis is mild, your doctor may recommend or prescribe a cream, shampoo, foam, or gel for affected areas. Treatments may include corticosteroids, salicylic acid, coal tar, or other medicines.

Coconut oil may help some people with scalp psoriasis symptoms, but it doesn’t treat the underlying inflammation. Topical treatments suggested by a healthcare provider can treat psoriasis in addition to providing symptom relief. Using coconut oil alongside a treatment recommended by a healthcare provider may help you feel better while that healing happens.

How To Use Coconut Oil for Psoriasis

If your doctor gives you the OK to try coconut oil as a supplement to your psoriasis treatment, they may recommend you apply it topically on areas of affected skin. Coconut oil has a melting point of 78 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s often solid at room temperature. When applying coconut oil to the skin, you may need to warm it in the palm of your hand.

One member found that coconut oil can be difficult to apply, so they shared this tip: “If I use a blender, it aerates the coconut oil and makes it less oily and easier to apply. It might feel a bit greasy at first, but that goes away fast.”

Coconut Oil Lotion

Some members of MyPsoriasisTeam blend coconut oil with other ingredients to create a lotion. They do this by combining a bit of coconut oil and Vaseline to make a soothing mixture.

One member said they used organic coconut oil with tea tree oil for their itching and redness. Their recipe is “a teaspoon of coconut oil and a few drops (three or four) of tea tree oil. Mix, rub over the skin, and leave on for about 30 minutes … works for me.”

Another MyPsoriasisTeam member’s recipe also contained tea tree oil: “I’ve had some success with Aveeno lotion mixed with about a teaspoon of kukui nut oil, a tablespoon of coconut oil, and three to four drops of tea tree oil. I usually put the oils into the entire lotion container and shake it all up.”

Note that tea tree oil can irritate skin or cause contact dermatitis, especially on skin that’s already inflamed. Use with caution, as this isn’t an established psoriasis treatment.

Coconut Oil on the Hands

One member found that coconut oil worked well on their hands. “I have used it on my hands, then put thin, white cotton gloves on,” they said.

Bathing With Coconut Oil

Some members have found it helpful to add coconut oil to their baths. One said, “I like to add some coconut oil to my bathwater and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. I love how much it relieves some of the symptoms.”

Another member shared that they use coconut oil in their bath and apply it in a topical cream after bathing.

How To Store Coconut Oil

Generally, coconut oil should be stored in a cool, dark location in a sealed container or in the refrigerator. Virgin coconut oil can last for two to three years when stored properly without exposure to heat or light. If coconut oil shows signs of spoilage — including mold, a yellowish tint, or an unpleasant smell — do not use it and immediately dispose of it.

Talk to a Dermatologist

Although coconut oil can help moisturize skin and reduce discomfort associated with scalp psoriasis, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It may serve as a natural addition to your psoriasis management routine, but you’ll need to check with your dermatologist to address your specific needs.

References

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Cold Pressed Coconut oil is my daily driver. Once I discovered this I stopped all other creams. Cold pressed coconut and all topicals for that matter have never healed my PSO. I have only been able to… read more