Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can occur anywhere on the body. On the scalp, it creates thick, dry scales of skin that mimic dandruff, according to PsoriasisNet. These scales are difficult to treat because scalp hair forms a barrier against the effective use of prescription ointments. Avocado and olive oil scalp treatments help soften and remove the psoriasis scales by moisturizing the scalp and reducing the amount of visible skin cells. The oil in avocados has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis in preliminary research, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 1
Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Use the spoon to scoop the avocado out of the peel and into the bowl.
Step 2
Pour the olive oil into the bowl with the avocado. Whip the avocado and olive oil using the eggbeaters until it is creamy. Overripe avocados are very soft and whip easily. The mixture should have the consistency of pudding; if it is too thick add extra olive oil.
Step 3
Wet and towel dry your hair until it is just damp. Beginning with a damp scalp helps soften the psoriasis scales.
Step 4
Massage the avocado and olive oil into your scalp. Cover your head with plastic wrap and relax for 30 minutes while the mixture softens and loosens the psoriasis scales. The olive and avocado oils will also provide needed moisture to your scalp.
Step 5
Stand in the shower and comb through your hair using the barber's comb. The narrow spaced teeth work well to lift the scale off of your scalp and distribute the avocado and olive oil through to the ends of your hair. The oil mixture will make a mess, but it is easy to clean out of the shower.
Step 6
Shampoo the psoriasis scale and oils out of your hair, rinse and shampoo again. Apply the avocado and olive oil scalp treatment once a week or whenever you notice the buildup of psoriasis scale.
Tips and Warnings
- Add three drops of tea tree oil to the blend in Step 2 and mix together well. The tea tree oil, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties, will add a nice scent as well.
- Use caution when you shampoo the avocado and olive oil mixture out of your hair. The oils make the floor of the shower very slippery.
Things You'll Need
- Avocado
- Teaspoon
- Small bowl
- Eggbeaters
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Plastic wrap
- Barber's comb
- Shampoo
