Psoriasis is a common, noncontagious skin disorder that causes cells to build up rapidly on your skin, resulting in thick, silvery scales and painful, red patches. Sometimes, the skin cracks and bleeds. Psoriasis, which can appear anywhere on your body, can range in severity from a mild nuisance to a painful, disfiguring and debilitating condition. Many people are turning to emu oil--made from the subcutaneous back fat of the emu, a large, flightless bird--for help with their psoriasis symptoms. According to the Psoriasis Aid website, emu oil may reduce the irritation and inflammation of psoriatic skin. Before trying emu oil for relief from your psoriasis, however, you should get the go-ahead from your dermatologist.
Step 1
Prepare your skin for the emu oil by first soaking in a lukewarm bath to which you have added a quarter of a cup of Epsom salts. According to Mayoclinic.com, bathing helps to remove scales and calm inflamed skin. Do not use hot water or harsh soaps; tepid water and mild soaps with added fats are a better choice.
Step 2
Pat your skin dry with a soft cotton towel, then immediately massage the emu oil over affected areas to soothe and moisturize. Emu oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, and there is some research supporting this claim. According to the Drugs website, topically applied emu oil reduced inflammation in several animal studies. Emu oil is also rich with the essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6, which have beneficial effects on skin, and contains the antioxidant vitamins A and E. In addition, the lack of phosphorus in emu oil mimics the lack of phosphorus in human skin, so the oil is able to effectively penetrate tissues. According to the Psoriasis Aid website, emu oil's oleic acid content contributes to these penetrative qualities.
Step 3
Wrap the affected areas with clear plastic wrap after applying the emu oil, and leave it on overnight.
Step 4
Remove the covering in the morning, and wash away any scales that may have sloughed off during the night.
Step 5
Reapply the emu oil after gently blotting the skin dry. In addition to the morning use and the after-bath application, you should apply the emu oil one more time during the day.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep a journal detailing the severity and occurrence of your psoriasis symptoms, both before and after starting the emu oil treatment. This will help you and your dermatologist evaluate the success of the emu oil. Try to get some natural sunlight on your psoriasis several times weekly, but remember to apply sunscreen to the unaffected parts of your body.
- If your psoriasis worsens to the point that it is painful, or if your skin is deeply cracked and bleeding, you should consult your dermatologist. According to the Drugs website, you should not use emu oil if you are pregnant or nursing.
Things You'll Need
- 1/4 cup Epsom salts
- Soft cotton towel
- Pure emu oil, available at health food stores
- Clear plastic wrap
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