If you suffer from the skin condition psoriasis, you may benefit from using tea tree oil, the essential oil of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant. Using tea tree oil for psoriasis can be done in several ways. You can apply the undiluted oil directly to the affected areas of the skin, though this does have the potential to cause irritation. Another option is to use a product such as shampoo or lotion with tea tree oil in it, which you can either buy pre-made or make yourself by adding the oil to another product. As with any type of alternative treatment, you should make sure to discuss using tea tree oil for psoriasis with a doctor before starting.
One way you can use tea tree oil for psoriasis is to simply apply the pure oil to your skin. The oil contains components known to have anti-inflammatory effects, which are thought to help control the over-production of skin cells that occurs with psoriasis. It also has anti-bacterial properties that can help reduce the chance of infection in affected areas.
Tea tree oil can be easily purchased over the counter and applied using a cotton ball or just your fingers. It is then massaged into the skin. While some people find that using the undiluted oil is the most effective method, for some people it can cause skin irritation. If your skin becomes red or irritated, discontinue use.
Another option for using tea tree oil for psoriasis is to buy one of the many commercially manufactured products containing tea tree oil available on the market. There is a wide range of creams, lotions, and soaps out there, with various concentrations of the oil in them. If you suffer from psoriasis on your scalp, there are also tea tree oil shampoos you can try. While the concentration will not be as high as with the pure oil, you may find these products effective and they may also help you avoid skin irritation.
You can also make your own lotions or shampoo if you prefer. This can be done by purchasing the essential oil and then adding it to your favorite product. One of the main benefits of this method is that you can control how much tea tree oil is used, so you can adjust the level of concentration as needed until you find out what works best for you.
