Fact Check: Does almond oil cure Psoriasis?

Does Application of Almond oil cure psoriasis?

Claim: A post on social media site Pinterest claims various benefits of almond oil such as makes the skin healthier, Treats Dandruff, Reduces Scalp Inflammations, Prevents Heart Ailments, Aids Weight Loss, Stretch Marks Treatment, Treats Constipation, Provides Instant Energy, Excellent For Pregnant Ladies. Among all the claims one such claim is that almond oil also cures Psoriasis & Eczema. The link to the post is here.

Fact Check:

The claim is false.

What is Psoriasis?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, ‘‘Psoriasis is a condition that develops when the body makes skin cells too quickly, causing skin cells to pile up and form visible patches or spots on the skin.”(1) The National Psoriasis Foundation mentioned that” Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease (a disease with an unclear cause that is characterized by inflammation caused by dysfunction of the immune system) that causes inflammation in the body. There may be visible signs of inflammation, such as raised plaques (plaques may look different for different skin types) and scales on the skin. (2)

There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but there are many treatment options that can effectively manage and reduce the symptoms. 

How Prevalent is Psoriasis?

Around 2 to 3 per cent of the total population — have psoriasis, according to the World Psoriasis Day consortium. A study by Dogra et al.,2016 mentioned that the prevalence of psoriasis in Indian adults varies from 0.44 to 2.8%, with a much lower prevalence in children in India. (3)

What causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis can be attributed to the overactive immune system that speeds up skin cell growth. Normal skin cells completely grow and shed (fall off) in a month. With psoriasis, skin cells do this in only three or four days. Instead of shedding, the skin cells pile up on the skin's surface. Some people report that psoriasis plaques itch, burn, and sting. Plaques and scales may appear on any body part, although they are commonly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, but commonly, psoriasis occurs in ears, eyelids, feet, hands, nails, scalp, and skin folds (including genitals)

Speaking to the Medical Dialogues team, Dr. Ajay Deshpande, Senior dermatologist, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Punesaid Psoriasis is influenced by genetic, immune, and environmental factors. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing rapid cell growth and inflammation. Genetic predisposition increases the risk, especially if family members have psoriasis. Environmental triggers such as skin injuries, infections, stress, certain medications, and cold, dry weather can also provoke or exacerbate the condition, leading to the development of psoriatic lesions and flare-ups.

Almond oil and its health benefits:

Almond oil, also known as Oleum Amygdalae, is prepared from various almonds and is a glyceryl oleate with a slight odour and a nutty taste. Almond oil is rich in beta-zoosterol, squalene and alpha-tocopherol, all of which are important constituents of healthy-looking skin. According to various studies, almonds and almond oil are associated with various health benefits. These include anti-inflammatory effects, immunity-boosting properties, and protection against liver toxicity. Additionally, almond oil has been linked to improved bowel transit and reduced symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Evidence suggests that almond oil may help reduce the incidence of colonic cancer and have certain cardiovascular benefits. (4)

Does Almond oil cure Psoriasis?

No almond oil doesn’t cure Psoriasis.

There is no cure for Psoriasis, although some treatments can improve the symptoms. Even almond oil has shown some benefit in relieving the symptoms of psoriasis,

A study by Joshua A Zeichner et. al. mentioned that sweet almond oil, which contains high levels of fatty acids, has been used to treat symptoms of skin diseases such as eczema and Psoriasis. (5)

Ahmed, in his study, mentioned that almond oil had historically been used in Ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Greco–Philian schools of Medicine to treat dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Clinical experiences show that almond oil seemingly reduces hypertrophic scarring post-operatively and smoothes and rejuvenates the skin.(4)

Having said that, to claim that almond oil can cure psoriasis has no scientifc basis or medical consensus. 

Speaking to the Medical Dialogues team, Dr Amit Vij, Senior Consultant Dermatologist, PSRI hospitals, New Delhi, explained, “Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes painful, itchy, scaly patches on the skin. While conventional treatments can help manage the plaques, some people cite different oils as an effective treatment. However, no current scientific studies support this as an effective treatment or as a cure. Oils do not directly help reduce the size and extent of psoriatic scales; the oil can only soothe the dryness accompanying them and prevent itching to some extent.”

There is limited direct scientific research suggesting that almond oil can cure Psoriasis. Most evidence supports its use as a complementary treatment to help manage symptoms like skin dryness and inflammation rather than as a cure. Almond oil can help maintain skin hydration and barrier function, which may alleviate discomfort but does not treat the underlying autoimmune pathology of Psoriasis.

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

There is no known cure for psoriasis, but various treatments may help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. While almond oil can be part of a regimen to manage certain symptoms of psoriasis, like skin dryness, the claim that it cures psoriasis is false.

References:

1. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what

2. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/

3. Dogra S, Mahajan R. Psoriasis: Epidemiology, clinical features, co-morbidities, and clinical scoring. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Nov-Dec;7(6):471-480. Doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.193906. PMID: 27990381; PMCID: PMC5134160.

4. Ahmad, Z. (2010). The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 16(1).

5. Zeichner JA, Berson D, Donald A. The Use of an Over-the-Counter Hand Cream With Sweet Almond Oil for the Treatment of Hand Dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018 Jan 1;17(1):78-82. PMID: 29320591.

6. Armstrong AW, Read C. Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review. JAMA. 2020 May 19;323(19):1945-1960. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.4006. PMID: 32427307.