Psoriasis is an auto-immune chronic skin condition. This means psoriasis has no cure, and visiting a dermatologist helps relieve the skin from rashes and persistent flare-ups. Psoriasis can be painful and itchy.It affects the hands, knees, scalp, and elbow. Psoriasis can manifest as a patchy rash covered in scaling spots that crack and bleed.
Patients can learn how to manage the symptoms and find relief using homemade remedies.People have used cocoa butter for psoriasis to improve skin texture and benefit from its anti-inflammatory effects. Although there is no scientific evidence to the claims attached to cocoa butter and skin conditions, many people continue using it to relieve dry, scaly,itchy skin.
Cocoa butter is the primary ingredient in many skin products. It is a rich moisturizer that stops the skin from chapping and drying Apple cider vinegar for psoriasis is another homemade solution that can bring relieveto dry itchy skin.
Psoriasis may be an auto-immune condition with no definite treatment. However, ingredientsin your kitchen can help manage the symptoms and bring relief. Let’s look at these two most common ingredients in detail.
Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is an ancient vegetable fat obtained from cocoa beans. Cocoa butter is a rich anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Cocoa butter is a rich moisturizer that relieves dry, itchy, bleeding patches caused by psoriasis. The following are the benefits associated with cocoa butterfor your skin:
- Improves skin health
A moisturizer soothes the skin and makes it supple and soft.Cocoa butter contains polyphenols that alleviate dryness and improves skin elasticity. Consequently, cocoa butter is an active ingredient in skin anti-aging creams,lotions, and moisturizers.
- Moisturizes the skin
Cocoa butter has been used in its raw form to moisturize the skin. A moisturizer relaxes dry skin because fatty acids prevent moisture from escaping from the skin. The fatty layer forms a protective coating on the skin, making it feel soft and supple. Cocoa butter is ideal for patients managing eczema and psoriasis.
How to use cocoa butter for psoriasis
There is no scientific research to prove that cocoa butter can help bring relief topsoriasis flare-ups. However, there’s no harm in trying out the benefits of this tried and tested homemade relief oil. However, talk to your dermatologists for advisewhen using other prescribed treatments.
You may not find unrefined cocoa butter in the market near you. However, cocoa butter is the active ingredient in the following over-the-counter skin products:
- Moisturizers
- Lip balms
- Hand and body lotions
- Creamsand massage oils for reducing and preventing stretch marks during pregnancy
- Tanning lotions and sunscreen products
- Deodorants and roll-ons
- Shampoos and conditioners for hair products
Instructions for use
Read the instructions on the product before using it on your skin. Some conditions, such as psoriasis on the scalp, may require using a moisturizer for best results.
You can also purchase raw cocoa butter and mix it with your preferred carrier oils. Some people mix cocoa butter with coconut or olive oil to relieve psoriasis quickly.
Precaution tip
Always run a patch test before using it on the intended part of the body. You can use the mixture for at least 10 days on a small part of the body. Continue using the mixture if you note no reaction. However, avoid using the cocoa butter mixture if there’s an itching or burning sensation.
Apple cider
Apple cider, commonly known as ACV, has long been used to manage psoriasis. It helps to reduce inflammation, itchiness, and dryness that come with psoriasis. Apple cider effectively works as a disinfectant and prevents infection. Psoriasis can cause itchy patches that bleed.
ACV is obtained from fermented apple juice. It is used for dressing salads and making sauce. Traditionally, apple cider contains natural healing ingredients. Although there is no scientific research to support the use of apple cider in treating psoriasis, many people use it to managepsoriasis.
Apple cider and psoriasis
ACV has natural antiseptic properties, effectively alleviating itchiness and dryness caused by psoriasis flare-ups. It is also believed that ACV improves the skin’s PH, improving the skins natural protective ability.
How to use apple cider for psoriasis management
Organic apple cider vinegar is readily available in grocery stores. Many people believe that unrefined apple cider vinegar carries the most benefits. Therefore,
- Read the ACV package to ensure it is not expired.
- Dilute one part ACV with one part water. Applying ACV directly to the skin can irritate and burn.
- Also, don’t use apple cider on cracked skin or wounds because it increases irritation and makes the open wounds painful. Use apple cider vinegar sparingly because it can cause irritation and discomfort to the skin.
- Remember to consult your dermatologist before seeking alternative intervention for psoriasis flareup.
Conclusion
There is no known treatment to cure psoriasis. However, people have traditionally used cocoa butter and apple cider to manage psoriasis on the scalp, hands, elbow, trunk, and knees. Remember to talk to your dermatologists before using these unconventional homemade mixtures for psoriasis management.