Chances are, we or someone we know is affected by eczema or psoriasis. These two, common skin conditions have similar symptoms including a potentially severe itch and red blotches on the skin. Both affect millions on a daily basis.
Before we discuss some natural home remedies to soothe symptoms of these conditions, let’s identify and better understand the differences between eczema and psoriasis.
Eczema
Characterized by an intense itch, eczema (a.k.a. atopic dermatitis) is a dry skin condition and is considered the most common skin disease worldwide. If you have eczema, this could mean that your skin does not produce as many fats and oils as it needs to and is less able to retain an ideal amount of water. With a dehydrated, weakened protective barrier, further moisture is easily lost and irritants and bacteria are able to pass through to the skin more easily. The result is often swollen, red, and inflamed skin that may even be scaly, oozing, or crusty. Not fun at all!
Psoriasis
While Psoriasis, too may be itchy, skin affected by Psoriasis may also experience a stinging/burning sensation. People have equated this feeling to being bitten by fire ants. Eek!! Psoriasis may appear as red patches or silvery, scaly skin that is raised up high. With psoriasis, the immune system is overactive, producing inflammation and causing skin cells to produce more quickly than normal. Because our skin cannot shed skin cells fast enough, the cells pile up on top of one other to form thick, red, flaky, and swollen patches. This reaction causes the affected skin to be thicker and more inflamed than the result eczema produces.
Many people suffering from eczema and psoriasis are turning away from conventional medicinal treatments and adopting natural, essential oils into their daily regimen. Many of these oils have anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and stress-reducing properties that promote deep skin healing while acting as holistic healing agents.
Let’s take a look at a few effective natural treatments to soothe and treat eczema and psoriasis.
Blue Tansy Essential Oil
Known for its relaxing aromatic benefits, blue tansy also has analgesic, anesthetic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that neutralize and halt histamine production to help reduce skin reactions. It is useful in combatting itchy and flaky dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, inflammation, and sunburns.
Argan Oil
Also known as liquid gold, argan oil is adored for a large variety of skin-saving benefits including its fantastic ability to ease issues with skin sensitivity. Because of its high levels of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, argan oil battles unwanted activity and damage to skin cells. This oil is highly moisturizing and anti-inflammatory at the same time – making it an ideal treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and other sensitive skin concerns.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is recommended for calming eczema and psoriasis symptoms because it is able to moisturize, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria. Virgin coconut oil helps to hold in moisture and ease redness and swelling. Because both eczema and psoriasis need an effective moisturizing treatment to help with the dry patches, scales, and itchiness, coconut oil is a great natural remedy for both conditions.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint Oil alleviates inflammation and cools skin irritation. Due to the potency of this particular essential oil, remember to dilute with a carrier oil. We suggest trying it with Argan Oil or Jojoba Oil!
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil has powerful antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral qualities that encourage skin healing. Because of this, Tea Tree Oil is effective at treating inflammation in skin caused by eczema and psoriasis.
Rosehip Oil
This is one of our personal favorites! Rosehip oil has a tried-and-true history of exceling in skin repair and regeneration. Comprised of essential fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin E, rosehip seed oil promotes healthy and hydrated skin.
