Coconut oil is being used as an anecdotal solution for its potential role in managing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), but there is minimal evidence of its efficacy. Coconut oil has been praised for its health benefits for many years. Coconut oil is beneficial for the skin and may help treat psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions. Coconut oil can also help to prevent wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. TSW is a complex illness and more research is required around the efficacy of coconut oil.
Topical steroid withdrawal is a complex health phenomena that can be described as a series of symptoms associated with the gradual or abrupt cessation of topical corticosteroid use. Symptoms of TSW can include red, itchy, and inflamed skin, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. There is no known cure for TSW, but throughout Facebook groups and online communities, some people are suggesting that coconut oil can help to relieve the symptoms. Please keep reading before you attempt to use coconut oil to assist with Topical Steroid Withdrawal.
Coconut oil for Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and Psoriasis are the most common underlying skin conditions of people with Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Although it is difficult to separate the symptoms of TSW from Eczema and Psoriasis, communities online are suggesting the use of coconut oil to potentially improve their symptoms.
What is Coconut oil?
Coconut oil is an edible oil that is extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. It has been used in tropical countries for centuries as a traditional remedy for a variety of ailments.
Coconut oil is composed of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are a type of saturated fat. Unlike other types of saturated fat, MCFAs are metabolized differently by the body and can actually offer a host of health benefits, including weight loss, improved mental clarity, and decreased inflammation.
Recent studies have also shown that coconut oil may be beneficial for the skin which may also improve dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema.
What are the benefits of Coconut oil for eczema?
There are many benefits of coconut oil for eczema sufferers. This natural oil may help soothe the skin, reducing inflammation and itchiness. Coconut oil is also known to have antimicrobial properties, which may help to protect the skin from infection.
The skin’s capacity to absorb and retain moisture is decreased when it suffers from eczema. According to a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, using virgin coconut oil topically helped the skin of children with eczema to retain moisture and be hydrated.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which aids in lowering the quantity of bacteria, fungus, and viruses on the skin. By doing this, you can reduce the chance of getting an infection from scratching itchy skin. Additionally, coconut oil’s excellent absorbability due to lauric acid increases its moisturizing properties.
Coconut oil may be a great natural alternative to harsh chemicals or medications for eczema. It is gentle on the skin and may be used safely on children and babies. Coconut oil is also very affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Can Coconut oil help with psoriasis?
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, some people claim that coconut oil may help reduce symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can be both physically and emotionally debilitating. It causes redness, itchiness, and scaling of the skin. Since coconut oil has excellent moisturizing qualities for the skin, it may help treat the dryness, flaking, and itching symptoms brought on by the condition.
Coconut oil may help reduce inflammation and redness associated with psoriasis, as well as improve the overall health of the skin. It may also help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidants present in coconut oil may help scavenge free radicals and prevent them from causing damage to the skin.
Coconut oil is generally considered safe to use on the skin. However, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to coconut oil. If you experience any redness, itching, or swelling after applying coconut oil to your skin, stop using it and see your doctor.
Ask your doctor before using coconut oil because it may conflict with other topical medications you’re taking.
How is Coconut Oil used?
Coconut oil can be used in two ways: topically or orally. Applying coconut oil to the skin may help to moisturize and protect it from further irritation. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil may also help to soothe psoriasis symptoms.
When using coconut oil topically, it’s important to apply it to clean skin. You can do this by massaging a small amount of the oil into the affected area two to three times per day. It can also be added to your bathwater or be used as a massage oil. For best results, apply coconut oil to the skin after bathing or showering while the skin is still damp.
If you’re using coconut oil orally, it’s best to take it with food. This will help to prevent digestive upset. The recommended dosage is one to three tablespoons per day.
Does Coconut oil help with Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Coconut oil has not been specifically studied or proven to assist in people with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Although anecdotally, some people suggest it may help with TSW, we are collecting information to understand if there is a trend of success with coconut oil.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a highly complex health condition caused by an adverse reaction to the cessation of prescribed steroid creams. Because TSW is an iatrogenic illness, currently there is no known cure, standardized medical treatment, or support for sufferers. Many people suffering with Topical Steroid Withdrawal are turning to online groups and Facebook forums to try an array of products, therapies and solutions to manage their inflammation of their skin during this withdrawal period from topical steroids. The challenge we are seeing is that there is no tracking of the efficacy of coconut oil and other anecdotal solutions.
At TSW Assist, we are aiming to discover the collective efficacy of anecdotal recommendations from the TSW community. We hope to identify trending solutions that may be helpful in assisting with the symptoms experienced during topical steroid withdrawal.
Learn more about the crowd-sourced solutions and treatments for topical steroid withdrawal that are trending as helpful.
More research is required to understand the benefits of Coconut oil for TSW
If you are considering using coconut oil for Topical Steroid Withdrawal, it is important to understand that more research is needed to understand its efficacy. Although some people may have success with coconut oil in treating their eczema or psoriasis, further clinical studies are required for TSW.
Through the TSW Assist website, we hope to share crowd-sourced information on the efficacy or inefficacy of coconut oil in helping TSW, as well as other solutions that may help.
If you are unsure, please speak to a healthcare professional before using coconut oil for topical steroid withdrawal.
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