Living with psoriasis can mean dealing with itchy, scaly, discolored patches that flare up at inconvenient times. To help ease discomfort and improve skin health, many people explore home remedies alongside their prescribed treatments. Some remedies may calm inflammation, reduce dryness, or soothe itching, while others aim to support overall skin wellness.

It’s important to know that research on these remedies varies — some have been studied more thoroughly than others. In addition, natural and over-the-counter products can sometimes cause unwanted side effects or interact with other medications. It’s important to speak with your primary care provider or dermatologist before adding new strategies to your routine. Here’s what you should know about the different home remedies for psoriasis.

1. Plant-Derived Moisturizers

Several types of plant-derived moisturizers are popular for soothing psoriasis symptoms. Coconut oil, made by pressing coconut meat (the white part of the fruit), is commonly used for both cooking and skin care.

A 2019 study found that coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the skin. Coconut oil may lower inflammatory proteins called cytokines and help strengthen the skin barrier by boosting the production of filaggrin, a protein important for skin health.

Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. However, lauric acid levels differ among types of coconut oil.

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have described positive experiences with coconut oil: “My elbows are back to my skin color instead of bright red. It’s gotta be the coconut oil!”

Some people may have an allergic reaction to coconut products. If you’d like to try it, start with a small amount and see how your skin responds before using more. Choose virgin coconut oil instead of refined coconut oil. Virgin oil isn’t heated during processing, so it contains more bioactive ingredients, such as forms of vitamin E and antioxidants.

Other plant-derived moisturizers that people sometimes use for psoriasis symptoms include castor oil and neem oil.

2. Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated extracts of certain chemicals found in plants. Leaves, flowers, roots, and stems are pressed and steamed to produce small amounts of fragrant oil. These oils can be:

• Diffused in water
• Burned for scent
• Diluted in other types of oil (called carrier oils) and applied to the skin

Only a few essential oils have been researched specifically for psoriasis. For example:

• Bitter apricot oil slowed the growth of psoriatic skin cells in lab experiments, but these results have not been tested in people.
• Copaifera tree oil showed improvement in psoriasis symptoms in a very small study of three participants.
• Tea tree oil has known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that may help soothe psoriasis symptoms. Shampoos containing tea tree oil may benefit scalp psoriasis, but more research is needed.

MyPsoriasisTeam members have had mixed experiences using essential oils as a psoriasis treatment. “As an aromatherapist, I tried all sorts of oil combinations, but nothing really has helped,” one said.

Another member reported positive results: “I use Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree Oil Soap. It comes in a concentrate. I use it all over my body — very soothing.”

If you’d like to try essential oils topically (directly on your skin), always remember to first dilute them in a carrier oil, such as olive, jojoba, or coconut oil. Some essential oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a spiky plant found around the world. Breaking the leaves releases a sticky gel often used as a home remedy for burns and wounds. Aloe vera gel is also added to many commercial lotions and gels.

A 2019 review of studies on aloe vera found it may help improve psoriasis symptoms such as lesions. Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have reported positive effects. “I have psoriasis on my face, and using aloe vera products (fragrance-free) has been helping me a lot,” one member wrote.

“I swear by aloe vera gel!” another member said. “I make a hair mask using aloe plus neem oil, castor oil, rosemary, and lavender.”

The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends using aloe vera gel containing 0.5 percent aloe. You can apply it up to three times a day, but always check with your healthcare provider before using something new on your skin.

4. Turmeric

The spice turmeric is used in traditional Indian medicine to treat skin conditions. Studies have shown that curcumin — the chemical that gives turmeric its bright yellow color — has anti-inflammatory effects.

Turmeric Oil

Turmeric oil can be applied topically. In a small study of people with mild to moderate psoriasis, a turmeric extract gel helped heal psoriasis lesions, with few side effects. Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have also found turmeric oil helpful: “I’ve used turmeric oil on the joints of my hands, and it works quite well,” one member said.

Turmeric Supplements

Curcumin can also be taken orally as a supplement. Some research suggests it may enhance standard psoriasis treatments. For example, one study in BioMed Research International found that people who combined a curcumin supplement with a topical steroid treatment had fewer inflammation markers than those who used the steroid alone.

Other findings have been less conclusive. In a small study reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, some participants taking oral curcumin supplements had a positive response, but it may have been caused by other factors. The researchers did note that curcumin caused very few side effects.

Importantly, turmeric supplements can interfere with blood thinners and possibly certain pain relievers and immunosuppressive drugs. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying turmeric supplements — or any type of supplement.

Turmeric in the Diet

You can also incorporate turmeric into your diet. “I occasionally make an anti-inflammatory turmeric latte that I drink before bed (it also contains cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and coconut oil). I also use the spice in my food,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member said.

Cooking turmeric with black pepper — which contains a complementary chemical, piperine — or with a fat source may improve the body’s absorption of curcumin.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can help soothe itching from scalp psoriasis, offering an alternative to psoriasis shampoo. “I soak my hair in organic apple cider vinegar for 10 minutes, rinse off, and use coal tar shampoo,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member reported. “Be careful to put vinegar on in the shower — and keep it out of your eyes.”

The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends using organic apple cider vinegar. If you experience skin irritation, dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of water, and don’t use apple cider vinegar on open wounds or cracked skin.

6. Salt Baths

Soaking in a warm bath with Dead Sea salt or Epsom salts may help relieve dry, itchy, or flaking skin. For people with plaque psoriasis, salt baths can also loosen plaques, making them easier to remove. Make sure to apply moisturizer after bathing to avoid drying out your skin.

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On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Which home remedies have you found helpful for psoriasis? Let others know in the comments below.