If you have psoriasis—an autoimmune skin disorder that causes scaling and patches—and are coping with constant bothersome itchy and scaly skin patches, you may have considered using essential oils to help calm your skin, in addition to other prescribed treatments.

However, before you apply any essential oil to your skin, keep in mind that there has been little evidence or randomized clinical trials that essential oils can work to relieve psoriasis symptoms, says Matthew Lewis, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford University.