Sesame oil has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is applied topically to help soothe inflamed and irritated skin, including in conditions resembling psoriasis. The rationale for its use is based on its emollient properties, which may help moisturize dry, scaly skin, and its content of antioxidants such as sesamol and vitamin E, which are believed to promote skin health. In Ayurveda, sesame oil is often used as a base for medicated oils applied to chronic skin conditions, though the conditions described do not match modern diagnostic criteria for psoriasis exactly.

Scientifically, there is limited direct evidence from controlled studies supporting the efficacy of sesame oil specifically for psoriasis. Most available research focuses on its general anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which could theoretically provide some benefit for inflammatory skin diseases. A few small studies and animal models suggest that compounds in sesame oil may inhibit inflammatory pathways involved in skin irritation, but there are no robust clinical trials confirming its effectiveness for psoriasis specifically.

In summary, the use of sesame oil for psoriasis is primarily supported by traditional practices and anecdotal reports, with a modest theoretical basis but lacking strong scientific validation.