When it comes to treating psoriasis, the search for relief can lead to unusual remedies — including products containing goat milk. But is goat milk actually good for psoriasis? Many MyPsoriasisTeam members have discussed using goat milk soap and over-the-counter topical (OTC) treatments to help relieve their skin symptoms — and some have reported benefits.

“Goat milk soap sounds wonderfully decadent, I must give it a try,” one member wrote.

Psoriasis is caused by an immune system disorder, which causes skin cells to reproduce too quickly leading to thickened skin plaques. In people with plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis, a build-up of inflamed and dead skin cells causes thick, discolored patches of flaky skin. The patches often have white or silvery scales and can be dry, itchy, and painful. Treatment options include oral and injected medications to help calm the immune system, topical treatments (applied directly to the skin), ultraviolet light, and at-home skin care.

People with psoriasis often incorporate natural products and home remedies such as goat milk soap, lotion, or cream in their skin care. Some have reported that goat milk products help relieve their psoriasis symptoms.

One member of MyPsoriasisTeam said, “Well, I did my goat’s milk lotion, and it’s stopping the itching.” Another member wrote, “My scalp itches a lot also, but I switched my shampoo and conditioner and bar soap to goat milk-based products, even body cream. It made a huge difference :)”

What Is Goat Milk Soap?

Soap is made by combining an acid — a fat or oil — and an alkaline solution, such as sodium hydroxide (or lye). It can then be mixed with water or milk, such as goat milk. Some goat milk soaps use natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil. When soap forms, it interacts with water and lathers into bubbles, which help dissolve oils and grease for the purpose of cleaning.

Goat milk has a concentration of fatty acids that is 1.5 times higher than cow milk. Some research suggests that it may penetrate the skin more easily than cow milk and help replenish fatty acids and other nutrients in the skin, which can help the skin to feel smooth and soft.

Goat milk soaps are often marketed as natural products, but many soaps also contain synthetic detergents.

Research on Goat Milk Products and Skin Conditions

There is limited research on psoriasis and goat milk soap — the same is true with other natural products or home remedies. Recently, medical science has taken an interest in the potential healing properties of fatty acids, lactic acid, and proteins in milk and colostrum (the nutrient-rich first milk produced after giving birth). These components may be helpful for skin conditions and improved immune function, among other medical applications.

Studies from the journal Molecules show that the protein lactoferrin, which is found in milk and other body fluids in humans and animals, has antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory (immune-regulating) properties. So far, research on the use of milk products in cosmetics and dermatology has shown promising results.

There is little research focusing specifically on psoriasis remedies containing goat milk. However, several studies have examined the effects of horse or cow milk products on wound healing and skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema), burns, seborrheic acne, and plaque psoriasis. For some people, these soaps, lotions, or creams may cause inflammation and in others, they are anti-inflammatory, so more research is needed.

In one small study, ointments with 10 percent and 20 percent lactoferrin were used on plaque psoriasis lesions. Both ointments showed similar results with a decrease in plaque thickness, discoloration, and scaling.

At the same time, one very small study indicated that using topical goat milk products for inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema may increase food allergies to milk and dairy products. The study suggested that goat milk skin products may be especially risky for people who are sensitive to milk products.

How MyPsoriasisTeam Members Use Goat Milk Soap and Other Products

Several MyPsoriasisTeam members have shared their experiences with goat milk soap and other goat milk skin formulations, such as moisturizers, lotions, creams, and shampoos. Many of these members have described that using goat milk products has helped their home skin care in various ways, such as helping remove scales of dead skin cells, providing relief from itchy skin, and helping skin feel smoother.

“I have started bathing with a bar soap made with goat’s milk. I like to apply it to my spots, which makes them smoother,” one member wrote.

Another member said, “I get relief from itching with goat’s milk products, which I buy from a lady in Wales. She uses her goat’s milk and natural ingredients only in the soaps and creams she makes.”

“My psoriasis has dried up 99 percent,” someone else said. “I’ve been using goat milk lotion and it’s working awesome! We will see how it is this coming winter.”

“I went to a store today and found a soap that was called goat milk soap. Well, from what I read about it, it was supposed to help. I showered with it last night, and today the flakes are coming off. Not in a lot of pain, a little scratch now and then, but I am 90 percent better than last weekend!” a member shared.

Another MyPsoriasisTeam member added, “I use goat’s milk and manuka honey wash, and it is fantastic. Takes all of the itch and redness out of my psoriasis. It’s the only wash that has ever worked.”

Goat Milk Soap Doesn’t Help Everyone

What works for one person may not work for another. Each case of psoriasis is unique. Although some MyPsoriasisTeam members have found goat milk soap to help relieve some psoriasis symptoms, others have found that goat milk products don’t help.

One member said, “My psoriasis has gotten really bad, and the arthritis side of it is becoming more prominent. Tried the goat milk soap, but it didn't really help.”

Another member wrote, “I’m currently trying goat’s milk, but so far it’s been no help!”

Talk to Your Doctor About Goat Milk Soap for Psoriasis

Before trying a new OTC skin product such as goat milk soap, discuss it with your doctor. Depending on your case of psoriasis, especially during flare-ups, your dermatologist may have suggestions for products that may be appropriate for you. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any food allergies or sensitivities, particularly to dairy food items.

Try a Skin Patch Test

Always try a new product on a small patch of skin with psoriasis to see how your skin reacts and if you have any side effects. Dermatologists advise the following procedure for testing skin care products:

• Apply a new product to an area of affected skin that is the size of a quarter.
• Try this twice a day for seven to 10 days.
• Soaps or cleansers should be left on the skin for five minutes before rinsing.
• If you don’t have a bad reaction after 10 days, the product is probably safe to use.
• If you have an unpleasant reaction, carefully wash off the product and stop using it.
• Use petroleum jelly or a cold compress to relieve any irritation from a bad reaction or contact your doctor if you have concerns.

You’ll want to look for goat milk soap and skin care products that don’t have chemical additives, dyes, or fragrances that may irritate sensitive skin. Goat milk soap can be a beneficial choice for some people with psoriasis because it has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Although further research is needed to determine the full extent of its benefits, using goat milk soap may help ease the symptoms associated with psoriasis.

Find Your Team

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 116,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Have you tried goat milk soap or another goat milk skin product for your psoriasis? Did it work for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.