Can Coconut Oil Treat Scalp Psoriasis?

Winter brings a lot of things with it. Shorter days, cozier nights, and copious amounts of hot tea. Many try to romanticize it, but it can be hard to when we're fighting off the elements in four layers of fabric. There's also the fact that winter does absolutely zero favors to your skin — cold temperatures along with space heater draw moisture away from your skin, according to Intermountain Healthcare. 

For those who have psoriasis, a chronic skin condition where skin regenerates faster than normal, symptoms of dryness and rashes can exacerbate because of winter, per Mayo Clinic. According to WebMd, the lack of exposure to sunlight can make it worse because the sun's UV rays are believed to hinder the rapid skin cell turnover. People with psoriasis often have rashes on their elbows, arms, and scalp — and many who have scalp psoriasis may have been told by doctors they have dandruff. However, the difference is that the former is characterized by red skin with silvery scales (via Healthline).

Thankfully, there are home remedies and topical treatments out thereto help you manage scalp psoriasis. 

If you've been diagnosed with scalp psoriasis by your provider, you may want to ask them about certain treatments like topical steroids, shampoos with salicylic acid, and retinoids, per Healthline. You could also check with them about coconut oil, which is known to reduce inflammation and fungus because it contains lauric acid. 

Coconut oil is a great moisturizer and has been a beauty go-to throughout ancient history (via Lotion Today). While using coconut oil on your scalp, it may be best to do it after showering as your scalp can trap moisture better. Spread the oil evenly with your hands, massaging your scalp to improve circulation. To help with moisture absorption, you could also wrap your head in a warm towel, Healthline suggests. Once you rinse it off, you may notice you have fewer scales. However, without another form of treatment, coconut oil isn't likely to be the championing treatment for psoriasis. Either way, it may help provide some temporary relief.