Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects as many as 7.5 million Americans, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Treatment of this chronic illness is essential, but not always easy. The foundation states a 2008 study from the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) found 38.3 percent of Americans living with psoriasis look to an alternative treatment method, such as tamanu oil, to control outbreaks.
Disease
Psoriasis is a problem that affects the life cycle of skin. According to MayoClinic.com, psoriasis accelerates cell growth until a rough patch forms on the surface of the skin. This rapid progression creates thick scales that become itchy and often painful. With psoriasis, white blood cells, known as T lymphocyte or T cells, attack healthy skin and trigger an immune response that reduces circulation and increases cell proliferation. The repeating pattern of cell generation thickens skin and keeps dead cells from sloughing off. Over time, a patch of skin grows, irritating the healthy skin around the site. Symptoms of psoriasis include red patches of skin covered with scales, dry and bleeding skin, itching, pitted or ridged nails and stiff joints.
Treatment
Calophyllum tacamahaca, or tamanu oil, is a product of the Southeast Asian tamanu tree. This tree produces yield similar to apples, but embedded inside the pulp is a pale kernel called punnai. To produce tamanu oil, this kernel dries in the sun until it becomes thick and sticky with the oil. Botanical.com reports that tamanu oil is a topical healing agent that works as an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic substance, and that it has antioxidant properties.
Application
Apply pure tamanu oil to the affected area twice daily. Pour the oil onto a soft cloth and dab the oil on the scaling skin. Distributor Volcanic Earth suggests that this process may cause further drying of the skin. If skin become too dry or begins to crack, use just once a day or discontinue completely for several days. Apply a protective layer of cocoa butter to the area when not using the oil. Once the skin irritation or dryness subsides, begin applying the tamanu oil again. Work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that works best for your situation.
Benefits
Tamanu oil has proven antimicrobial and antiviral activity. This means it can help fight infection on skin irritated by psoriasis. Additionally, Drugs.com reports that tamanu oil is used medicinally as an antiseptic and astringent to promote skin health. Those with psoriasis are at risk for serious infections. These infections lead to pustular psoriasis, or skin that oozes and bleeds. Tamanu oil can help seal moisture onto skin, as well as kill surface bacteria. There are no scientific studies that prove tamanu oil will work effectively against psoriasis. However, Drugs.com does state that animal studies prove that tamanu oil inhibits Staphylococcus aureus and may help prevent staph infections.
Considerations
Psoriasis is difficult to control and treat. You should not use tamanu oil to replace proper medical treatment. For some, tamanu oil causes contact dermatitis. Talk to your doctor about applying tamanu oil to your skin, especially if your condition is moderate or severe. The National Psoriasis Foundation defines moderate psoriasis as covering 3 to 10 percent of the body surface. Those with severe psoriasis would have scales on more than 10 percent of their bodies.
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