Did you know that one of the most common household fruits, such as lemons, can offer numerous benefits for your skin? This citric fruit is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that can help eliminate dead skin cells and promote healthy skin. In fact, lemon can even be used to alleviate scalp psoriasis.
If you’re curious about how to use lemons to treat scalp psoriasis, you’ve come to the right place. We have an informative article that can provide you with all the details you need.
Benefits of Lemon for Scalp Psoriasis
While there are many medical treatments available for scalp psoriasis, some individuals prefer natural remedies such as lemon. Here are some of the benefits of using lemon for scalp psoriasis:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Lemon has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with scalp psoriasis. Applying lemon juice on the affected area can help soothe the scalp and provide relief from discomfort.
- Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells: Lemon is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are natural exfoliants. Applying lemon juice on the scalp can help remove dead skin cells, which can reduce the appearance of psoriasis patches.
- Natural Antimicrobial: Lemon has natural antimicrobial properties that can help fight against the bacteria and fungi that may contribute to scalp psoriasis. This can help prevent further infection and promote healing.
- Moisturizes the Scalp: Lemon is a natural moisturizer, which can help prevent the scalp from becoming dry and flaky. This can help reduce the appearance of psoriasis patches and soothe the scalp.
- Promotes Hair Growth: Lemon juice can also help promote hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles. This can help improve the overall health of the scalp and hair.
Other benefits of Lemon
As we age, our collagen levels tend to decrease, and collagen is essential for cell regeneration. This is one of the key reasons why lemon can be beneficial for scalp psoriasis. By using lemon on your scalp, you can potentially promote faster healing of scalp wounds and fight off free radicals that can damage your skin.
Lemon can also help regulate oily skin, which can be problematic when dealing with scalp psoriasis. Excess sebum production can increase the chances of an allergic reaction and, if not properly cared for, can become severe. Scalp psoriasis often leads to scaly patches on the scalp, but applying lemon can help reduce its effects.
In addition, lemon’s antiseptic properties make it effective against harmful bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus. Lemon can also help fade scars, blemishes, and discoloration caused by scalp psoriasis.
Other benefits of using lemon on scalp psoriasis include its high magnesium content, which promotes better collagen production and reduces the aging process. Lemon is also rich in vitamin C, which helps fight off the effects of free radicals, and calcium, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Citric acid, found in lemon, is also helpful in exfoliating the skin’s surface, removing dead cells, shrinking larger pores, and reducing the potential for bacteria accumulation.
How to Use Lemon for Scalp Psoriasis
Here are some ways to use lemon for scalp psoriasis:
- Lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl and apply it to your scalp using a cotton ball or a clean cloth. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this process once or twice a week.
- Lemon and coconut oil: Mix equal parts of fresh lemon juice and coconut oil to make a scalp treatment. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage it gently for a few minutes. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this process once a week.
- Lemon and honey: Mix one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with one tablespoon of raw honey. Apply the mixture to your scalp and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this process once or twice a week.
- Lemon and olive oil: Mix one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage it gently for a few minutes. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this process once a week.
- Lemon and aloe vera: Mix one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with two tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to your scalp and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this process once or twice a week.
Remember that lemon juice can be drying, so it’s best to use a moisturizing conditioner or oil after rinsing it off. It’s also recommended to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using any new treatments on your scalp.
Side Effects of Using Lemon for Scalp Psoriasis
While lemon can provide many benefits for treating scalp psoriasis, there are also some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Irritation: Lemon juice can be very acidic and can irritate the scalp, causing redness, itching, and dryness.
- Sensitivity: Some people may be more sensitive to lemon juice than others, and may experience a rash or other allergic reaction.
- Photosensitivity: Lemon juice can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to avoid direct sun exposure after using lemon on your scalp.
- Overuse: Using lemon juice too frequently or leaving it on your scalp for too long can lead to dryness, flakiness, and even hair damage.
- Stinging: Lemon juice may cause a stinging sensation on the scalp, especially if you have any open cuts or wounds.
To avoid these side effects, it’s important to use lemon juice in moderation and to dilute it with other ingredients such as water or carrier oils. It’s also important to rinse off the lemon juice thoroughly and to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner or oil. If you experience any negative side effects, stop using lemon juice immediately and consult with a healthcare professional.
Can I Use Lemon for Scalp Psoriasis?
While lemon juice can be used to treat scalp psoriasis, it’s important to be cautious as the citric acid may cause skin irritation and some people may have severe reactions to it.
Can We Apply Lemon on the Scalp?
Lemon can be applied to the scalp as a pre-shampoo treatment for better results.
Is Lemon Good for an Itchy Scalp?
Lemon’s antiseptic properties can help relieve an itchy scalp, but it may sting if there are open wounds or active irritation.
Is Lemon Harmful to Hair?
Fresh lemon juice won’t damage your hair, but exposure to sunlight can. To prevent damage, it’s best to wash the lemon juice off your scalp after 5-10 minutes.