Psoriasis is a condition that most obviously affects a person's skin. In clinical research on treatment methods for psoriasis, garlic and garlic products, such as garlic oil, have been suggested as treatments, whether in eaten form or application to the skin. Garlic, a healthful herb, has properties that resolve certain psoriasis triggers, like inflammation, but its usefulness as a treatment option is not scientifically definitive.

In an article published in the "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology" in 2012, researchers explain that psoriasis is a chronic condition affecting the entire body, in which the immune system does not function properly. (See Reference 1) Psoriasis is driven by inflammation in the body and presents with manifestations on the skin and in the joints. (See Reference 1) Strict and early control over this inflammation is the best way to also control psoriasis. (See Reference 1) Diet can play a role in reducing the inflammation that spurs psoriasis when anti-inflammatory compounds are consumed. (See Reference 2)

Research published in the "Journal of Medicinal Foods" in 2012 suggests compounds found in garlic have anti-inflammatory, therapeutic potential. (See Reference 2) An enzyme in the body known as COX-2 is responsible for driving pro-inflammatory mediators to the inflammation site, however anti-inflammatory compounds in garlic weaken the force of COX-2, thereby reducing inflammation at the site. (See Reference 2) According to the "Alternative Medicine Review," garlic can block the protein complex nuclear factor-kappaB from activating inflammatory cytokines, or small proteins involved in cell signaling. (See Reference 3)

In a 2010 doctor's letter to the editor of "The Journal of Dermatology," the doctor describes a case of a patient presenting with clinically similar symptoms to nail psoriasis after peeling bulbs of garlic. According to the doctor, around 55 percent of patients with psoriasis present with nail psoriasis at some point. Handling garlic with bare hands also presents a number of symptoms that mimic psoriasis, including contact dermatitis. Therefore, in attempting to treat psoriasis with garlic, caution is of the utmost importance to avoid adding new or worsening current symptoms. It is advised that garlic not be overly-handled with bare hands. (See Reference 4) Contact a medical professional before applying any garlic product directly to the skin for treatment, or consuming excessive amounts, as you do not know what effect it will have on you.

Using garlic for the treatment of psoriasis has been suggested as an option in various clinical studies, however, using herbs as remedies is typically relegated to the field of naturopathy. (See Reference 3) While garlic has been offered up as a possibility, there is no definitive evidence that using garlic in any form—applying or consuming—is a treatment for psoriasis. If you have or develop psoriasis, you should consult a medical expert immediately rather than starting with naturopathic remedies. Not only can a doctor provide more sound medical advice upon examination, he or she can also check for other serious conditions that often underlie psoriasis. (See Reference 1)