Coconut oil tips for psoriasis

[Fred]

There is so much helpful information in this psoriasisclub!  Thank you!  Thank you!  I'm going shopping for virgin, unrefined coconut oil today.

You are welcome

[Forest Walker]

I bought a jar of virgin, not-refined, coconut oil.  I melted the oil, using the hot water method described by Kat, and applied to my feet and lower legs last night.  

My insteps have a continuous heel-to-ball-of-foot, scaly rash.  It felt soothing to apply the warm oil.  During the night, it did feel as though it was burning a little until I found a cool patch of sheet in my bedding to slide my feet to.  This morning, the instep rashes looked quieter.  

I applied more coconut oil early this morning.  I used the cotton ball to cover all the rashes and my fingers to work it into my scalp.  

But it's September.  This is the month when "yellow jackets" (stinging wasps) are on the prowl for food and become aggessive where I live.  I don't want to wear coconut oil outside in case it attracts wasps.  So I'll be washing it all off in the shower before leaving home.  I'll reapply it when I return, though.  

I have stopped using soap and wash with a baby wash for sensitive skin.  

Thank you for this wonderful forum and the many posts, kindnesses, and humor here.

[Fred]

I'm not sure if wasps would go after you, but best to be safe.

For your scalp you could try rubbing it in then (depending on how much and how thick your hair is) wrap your head in cling film, then put on a shower cap. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight if you can sleep with it, then wash it out with warm water.

I prefer using it as a solid and rub it onto the skin, it melts as you go. But some prefer using it as a liquid.

[Kat]

I think it helps soothe as a solid or liquid, but for me the liquid really helped to get into my scalp.  In solid form it more wanted to sit on the hair and more difficult to get down to the skin area. 

If it's too warm you could let it reach room temperature before applying.  I'm not certain on if it would contribute to a burning feeling overnight    If that continued then I'd probably not apply right before bed and try some soothing gel or some such.

Wasn't sure on the wasps so tried looking it up.  Found this:
Coconut oil is widely used as a deodorant, anti-acne treatment, after-shave lotion and skin ointment, and a fantastic agent to improve skin and hair health. But recently, we found another good use of this oil, which is to repel bugs and insects. People in different parts of the world use coconut oil as a natural insect repellent too.

But.... I wouldn't want to test that on my skin!  Could be interesting to put some coconut oil in a problem area and see if it either attracts them or keeps them away. 

If you find the coconut oil is less effective, then you might swap it out with another moisturizer.  I don't know if it's mental or what but I've found that with moisturizers after I use them awhile they seem to not work as well but alternating them seems to help.

[Fred]

Could be interesting to put some coconut oil in a problem area and see if it either attracts them or keeps them away. 

Or better still put some outside in a dish and observe.

[jiml]

Could be interesting to put some coconut oil in a problem area and see if it either attracts them or keeps them away. 

Or better still put some outside in a dish and observe.

We have a lot if wasps about in my garden and I always moisturise my legs with coconut oil and have never noticed the wasps taking any interest in it

[Kat]

Could be interesting to put some coconut oil in a problem area and see if it either attracts them or keeps them away. 

Or better still put some outside in a dish and observe.

Yeah, what Fred said which is what I meant

[Kat]

Could be interesting to put some coconut oil in a problem area and see if it either attracts them or keeps them away. 

Or better still put some outside in a dish and observe.

We have a lot if wasps about in my garden and I always moisturise my legs with coconut oil and have never noticed the wasps taking any interest in it 

Good to know Jim.


Wonder if it would keep mosquitoes away?

[Fred]

Could be interesting to put some coconut oil in a problem area and see if it either attracts them or keeps them away. 

Or better still put some outside in a dish and observe.

  Yeah, what Fred said which is what I meant

[Forest Walker]

That's a good idea!  I'll put some coconut oil in a dish and place it outside this afternoon and see if it attracts the wasps.     I'm putting a shower cap on my shopping list.  Thank you.

As an aside, as I use the coconut oil on my skin and scalp, the scent of it takes me directly to the kitchen of my young childhood and the first time my father brought macaroons from the local bakery.  I can see his hands opening the bakery box and handing me the cookie and can remember his explaining that it's made with coconuts. The scent must have made an impression on me because here is this lovely memory and a feeling of closeness to him, unbidden.  He most often brought home maple bars to share, but one or two times, it was macaroons.  

While growing up, my children liked the Almond Joy candy bars, which also are made with coconut.  My son is now grown and follows a vegan diet, but I include almond/coconut candies when I send my daughter care packages at university.

And now this coconut, reminiscent of sharing a sweet dessert and the affection that entails, is helping the itching and softening the rashes.  

Have I mentioned how thankful I am for this forum?  Thank you!