Natural Ways To Treat Scalp Psoriasis

7.5 to 8 million people in the United States suffer from scalp psoriasis, a condition that causes uncomfortable symptoms like dry, itchy skin, dandruff, and even hair loss. If you’re looking for ways to manage these symptoms, you’re in the right place.

Keep reading to learn how to cure scalp psoriasis at home using safe, natural remedies. But first, it’s important to understand what causes this disease in the first place.

What causes scalp psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis is actually an autoimmune condition–not just a skin issue. It occurs when T cells, or immune cells that normally combat infections, mistakenly attack healthy cells, triggering a rapid production of new skin cells.

This is why you experience red, flaky patches on the skin, known as plaques: excess cells form a buildup on the skin’s surface. Along with the scalp, psoriasis can appear on the following:

Elbows
Knees
Hands
Feet
Nails
Face
Genitals
Skin folds (under breasts, groin, buttocks)

This condition can be very challenging to deal with. But you can find relief–and without medications that come with side effects.

How to cure scalp psoriasis at home

While conventional wisdom tells us there’s no permanent cure for psoriasis, there are multiple ways to manage symptoms at home–and potentially achieve full remission.

1. Anti-inflammatory diet

What you eat has a major impact on all bodily systems. Research shows that consuming excess sugar and fat can disrupt the balance of microbes in your gut, potentially exacerbating inflammatory diseases.

Experts suggest adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasizes:

Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty fish, walnuts, and flax seeds–great for combating inflammation)
Fruits and vegetables: Berries, spinach, and broccoli–packed with antioxidants, which also reduce inflammation
Gluten-free whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, millet–loaded with fiber and other nutrients that support gut health

On the other hand, studies have linked certain foods–even some vegetables–to psoriasis flare-ups and systemic inflammation. Some of these include:

Red meat and dairy products
Processed foods
Nightshades like eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers
Gluten, such as wheat in crackers, pasta, and fried foods

2. Evening primrose oil (EPO)

EPO is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest this oil can help block proinflammatory enzymes linked to psoriasis symptoms.

Related: Psoriasis: Symptoms and Causes

While there’s no established recommended daily dose for psoriasis relief, study participants have taken 2-6 grams of EPO daily for 3-12 months.

3. Vitamin D

Some research suggests taking a vitamin D supplement could alleviate psoriasis symptoms without side effects–providing complete remission for some people.

Participants in these studies took between 30,000 to 60,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 for up to 6 months, followed by a maintenance dose (typically 800-2,000 IU).

Alternatively, you can apply vitamin D oil directly to your scalp and any other affected areas. This treatment can help slow new cell growth, reducing the thickness of plaques.

However, topical oils don’t usually prevent recurrence–they only soothe the skin during a flare-up.

4. Oregon grape oil

Oregon grape oil contains a powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial compound called berberine.

Some research shows that using a 10% Oregon grape extract cream can reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms significantly and improve your quality of life. It might even be as effective as a prescription medication called calcipotriene (Dovonex).

You can apply Oregon grape oil directly to your scalp or take a supplement. If you’re going the supplementation route, experts recommend a daily dose of 8 milliliters of liquid extract.

5. Fish oil

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce inflammation, combating psoriasis symptoms like:

Redness
Itching
Scaling

Experts suggest taking two specific kinds for best results:

0.54 to 13.5 grams eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
0 to 9.0 grams docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Take these supplements with food for at least 8 weeks for maximum benefit.

6. Milk thistle

Studies indicate that milk thistle supplements could also help relieve psoriasis symptoms, thanks to its anti-inflammatory flavonolignans, specifically:

Silychristin
Silybin
Isosilybin

While there are no standard dosage guidelines for milk thistle, for most people, it’s safe to take up to 2,100 mg per day. Start at a lower dose, monitor your symptoms, and increase if necessary.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is a flowering plant in the same family as ginger. It’s been used in food, medicine, and spiritual practices for nearly 4,000 years.

Its medicinal properties come primarily from its underground stems–called rhizomes–which contain curcumin. Emerging research suggests that, when consumed, curcumin inhibits inflammatory molecules called TNF-α and NF-κB–connected to the development of psoriasis symptoms.

You can take turmeric capsules or powder, or look for a topical cream or gel to apply directly to your skin.

If you go the supplement route, opt for a variety that also contains black pepper. Bioperine in black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin, giving you more benefits.

8. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

Various civilizations have used ACV to treat a multitude of ailments for thousands of years. It has antimicrobial properties, which make it an excellent natural home remedy for psoriasis on the scalp.

While research is mixed, some studies have found ACV to reduce the itching associated with the condition. Try it yourself by making a dilution containing:

1 part ACV
1 part water

Apply the mixture to your scalp and other affected areas a couple of times a day, allowing it to dry before rinsing.

9. Colloidal oatmeal

Another natural way to treat scalp psoriasis is colloidal oatmeal. You can make a soothing, anti-inflammatory paste by finely grinding oats in a food processor and adding water. This treatment can significantly reduce itching and irritation.

Simply apply the paste to your scalp and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. Or you can add colloidal oatmeal to a bath and soak for 10-15 minutes twice daily, once or twice a week.

10. Gentler personal care products

If you have psoriasis, it’s critical to steer clear of harsh, chemical-laden hair products. Many personal care products contain synthetic fragrances and preservatives that can irritate your skin and exacerbate your condition.

Look for fragrance-free shampoo, conditioner, and other personal care products that are targeted toward sensitive skin. And avoid dying your hair, as the chemicals involved can further irritate and dry out a sensitive scalp.

Dealing with any autoimmune or skin condition can be a challenge. But finding relief doesn’t have to be.

Now that you understand how to cure scalp psoriasis at home, try some of these remedies and see what works best for you. Monitor your symptoms closely, and adjust your approach as needed.

You can take control of your condition and enjoy a greater quality of life.