Searching for the best natural remedies to soothe your itchy, flaky scalp caused by psoriasis? Discover the benefits of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oatmeal, and more.

Olive Oil Loosens Flakes

Olive oil, a central part of the super-healthy Mediterranean diet, is also a boon for people with scalp psoriasis because it reduces flakiness, says Soheil Simzar, MD, a dermatologist in Santa Clarita, California, and clinical instructor of dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles. Simply massage 1 or 2 tablespoons of oil directly into the scalp. Depending on the severity of the psoriasis, you can leave the oil on anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight. (Wear a shower cap to keep your pillowcase clean.) Use a fine-toothed comb to gently remove the loosened scales, then rinse.

Apple Cider Vinegar Can Relieve Itchiness

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar can ease the irritation of everything from bug bites to blisters. It can also help relieve an itchy scalp and remove psoriasis scales. Prepare a mixture of 1 to 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar, then saturate your scalp several times a week for 10 minutes. Use a comb to gently remove scales, then shampoo and rinse as usual. This home remedy is not for everyone: Do not try this treatment if your scalp is cracked or bleeding, Dr. Simzar warns.

Oatmeal Helps Fight Inflammation

Oatmeal isn’t just a great breakfast option — it’s a major skin soother. An oatmeal bath is a popular at-home treatment for alleviating the itch and pain of rashes caused by poison ivy, chicken pox, and sunburn. Oatmeal can also help with inflammation associated with scalp psoriasis, says Jennifer Burns, NMD, a naturopathic doctor and founder of the Burns Integrative Wellness Center in Phoenix. Mix uncooked oatmeal with water, adding a few drops of olive oil. Smooth the paste on your scalp and leave it on for at least 10 minutes. Rinse, shampoo, then condition.

Dead Sea Salts Soften Scales

Dead Sea salts are legendarily therapeutic. The ingredient is recommended by the NPF for helping remove scalp psoriasis scales and soothing itch. For a DIY treatment, combine Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts (either the finely grained or slightly coarse kind) with olive or coconut oil. Gently rub a small amount of this paste into your scalp anywhere from once a week to once a day, depending on psoriasis severity, then rinse, recommends Dr. Burns. Store any leftover scrub in an airtight container for future use.

Tea Tree Oil Keeps the Scalp Infection-Free

Tea tree oil, an essential oil distilled from the leaves of a plant native to Australia, has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can help keep the scalp free of infection resulting from scratching. Combine 1 part tea tree oil to 10 parts olive oil, then dab onto areas of scalp psoriasis with a cotton ball. Leave the mixture on for five minutes before rinsing. Be sure to do a patch test first, as allergies to tree tree oil are not uncommon: Apply a small amount of the tea tree oil to the inside of your forearm, then watch for a day or two to make sure the skin doesn’t react.

What is the Best Way to Treat Psoriasis on the Scalp and Skin?

Psoriasis is a skin condition which is typically seen on the elbows, scalp, back, forearms, face and knees. It occurs when the immune system triggers skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to the buildup of dry, flaky patches. The best way to treat psoriasis on the scalp and skin is to use a combination of prescription treatments, such as topical steroids and medicated shampoos, as well as natural remedies like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oatmeal, Dead Sea salts, and tea tree oil. Always consult with a dermatologist before trying any home remedies, even natural ones, to ensure they are safe and effective for your specific condition.

Does Olive Oil Help with Scalp Psoriasis?

Yes, olive oil can be very helpful for treating scalp psoriasis. The oil helps to loosen and soften the flaky, scaly patches on the scalp. Simply massaging 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil directly into the scalp can provide relief. Leaving the oil on for 10 minutes to overnight (wearing a shower cap to protect your pillowcase) and then gently removing the loosened scales with a fine-toothed comb can be an effective home remedy for managing scalp psoriasis.

What Natural Remedies Work Best for Scalp Psoriasis?

In addition to olive oil, several other natural remedies can provide relief for scalp psoriasis:

– Apple cider vinegar – The antibacterial properties can help soothe an itchy, irritated scalp and remove scales.
– Oatmeal – Helps to reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis.
– Dead Sea salts – Can soften and remove stubborn psoriasis scales when combined with a carrier oil.
– Tea tree oil – Has antifungal and antibacterial effects to prevent scalp infections from excessive scratching.

As with any home remedy, it’s important to patch test first and consult your dermatologist before use to ensure safety and effectiveness for your individual case of scalp psoriasis.