Can Essential Oils Help With Eczema? What Are The Benefits?
Essential oils may help in managing atopic dermatitis or eczema symptoms. In the Australasian Journal of Dermatology published in August 2020, a study highlighted the prevalence and management of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Australian general practice. Among 2.1 million patients from 494 general practices, the lifetime prevalence of AD stood at 16.4%, with a higher incidence in females (17.3%) compared to males (15.3%). Topical corticosteroids were the most commonly prescribed medication (36.5%) for AD, while systemic corticosteroids (15.6%) were more prevalent than other immunosuppressants (0.9%). While there is not enough scientific evidence to prove their efficacy for eczema, a few of them may help soothe the symptoms. These essential oils have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Note: Essential oils are highly concentrated plant oils and are not regulated by the FDA. Many of them can irritate the skin and aggravate your condition. Hence, proceed with caution, do a patch test, and always consult a doctor before trying any alternative therapy. Here are a few benefits of using essential oils for eczema:
1. May Have Antibacterial Effects
Eczema may lead to pathogenic skin infections and make your skin vulnerable to bacteria like S. aureus and Herpes simplex. Some essential oils may help eliminate bacterial infection and provide relief (1).
2. May Reduce Inflammation
Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe and maintain the skin. These oils also have wound-healing abilities (1). Hence, using essential oils may help minimize flare-ups by calming inflammation and promoting skin healing. While essential oils may ease a few eczema symptoms, they may also aggravate the flare-ups and cause sensitivity. Lets take a look at the associated risks.
Risks Of Using Essential Oils For Eczema
1. May Cause Skin Irritation
Essential oils may cause allergic reactions and contact dermatitis. The skin barrier in people with eczema is already compromised. Using essential oils (particularly citrus oils) may cause redness, itching, and burning sensations.
2. Hormonal Changes
Essential oils are endocrine disruptors (2). If you have any endocrine disorders, using essential oils may lead to eczematous dermatitis and pruritus (itchiness) (3). If you have both, the oils may worsen your condition.
3. May Cause Toxic Reactions
Chronic exposure to certain essential oils may cause toxic reactions (2). Therefore, always consult a doctor before using essential oils for any skin issue. In the next section, let’s look at the essential oils that may help soothe eczema symptoms.
Best Essential Oils That Are Safe And Effective
1. German Chamomile Oil
The topical application of German chamomile oil lowers the serum histamine level and reduces the frequency of scratching. It can help repair the skin barrier and has anti-inflammatory effects (4). It may help ease itchiness associated with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and soothe the skin. Laura, a blogger, shared her experience of using chamomile cream for eczema. She mentioned her itching increased at night. She wrote, “At the moment, I often get an itch and a little patch of eczema on various parts of my hands, so I have a bottle of chamomile cream by my bed, and massage it into my hands at night, which helps calm and prepare me for sleep too (i).”
2. Tea Tree Oil
People with eczema are vulnerable to infections caused by S. aureus. Tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and helps inhibit the growth of S. aureus (5). It also soothes the symptoms of contact dermatitis (6). So, if you are looking for essential oils for itching and irritation caused by atopic dermatitis, experts suggest the tea tree oil may be an effective remedy.
3. Pomegranate Seed Oil
Pomegranate seed oil contains a high concentration of phenolic compounds and has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains linoleic and oleic acids that protect the skin (4). It may help soothe eczema flare-ups.
4. Eucalyptus Oil
You may also use eucalyptus oil for skin conditions like eczema. This is because it possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce inflammation, redness, itching, irritation, and swelling associated with eczema and prevent the occurrence of further flare-ups (1). However, further studies are warranted in this regard.
5. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is not only ideal for aromatherapy and stress management but may also help in managing eczema. It exhibits anti-inflammatory activity that may help regulate the inflammatory response and combat oxidative stress. It may also help reduce anxiety and stress levels, factors known for aggravating eczema flare-ups (2), (7). However, research is limited in this regard and more studies are needed to understand its association better. The use of essential oils for eczema needs further detailed scientific evaluation and trials. Be cautious when using essential oils. Always dilute them with carrier oils. You may use the following vegetable oils for diluting the essential oils (4): You can use any of the carrier oils to dilute the essential oils. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying essential oils.
How To Choose High-Quality Essential Oils For Eczema
Tip 1: Opt for certified organic therapeutic grade essential oils. Tip 2: Check if the oil has undergone GC-MS (Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry) analysis. This test identifies additives in the oil. Tip 3: Do your homework and see if the company is reliable. Go for brands that disclose the oil sources. Tip 4: Check for the following things on the label:
A “Certified Organic” seal The scientific name of the essential oil Whether it is of therapeutic grade or not The expiration date of the essential oil The ingredients list
Tip 5: Check if it is competitively priced. Typically, high-quality oils have a more premium price. Now that you know how to choose high-quality essential oils let us look at how to use them correctly.
Ways To Use Essential Oils For Eczema
You can use essential oils in the following six ways:
1. As Cooling Compresses
Add 2-3 drops of any essential oil to a bowl of water. Stir it once to disperse the oil and soak a soft cotton towel in it. Squeeze the excess water off and pat the affected areas with it.
2. As A DIY Eczema Cream
Mix ¼ cup of coconut oil, ¼ cup of shea butter, and 15-20 drops of essential oil in a large bowl and whip to get a creamy texture. Store the mixture in an airtight jar and use it as required.
3. As A Nourishing And Healing Bath
Dilute 5-6 drops of essential oil in 3 tablespoons of any carrier oil. You may use a mix of different essential and carrier oils and add the mixture to your bath soak. Add 2-3 drops of natural liquid soap to the soak so that the oil mixes properly. You may also add Epsom salt and soak it in the water for 20-30 minutes.
4. As A Massage Oil
Dilute 2-3 drops of the essential oil with a tablespoon of any carrier oil from the list. You may adjust the quantity in this proportion and mix more oils. Massage the affected area with the oil blend. Since essential oils are not a proven alternative therapy for eczema, proceed with caution. Keep the following pointers in mind before using them.
Precautions To Follow Before Using Essential Oils
Is vitamin E oil good for eczema? Yes, the application of vitamin E topical cream may reduce the itchiness and improve the quality of life of people with eczema (8). Is peppermint oil good for itchy skin? Yes, the application of peppermint oil is a safe and effective way of reducing itching in comparison to synthetic treatments (9). Does coconut oil make eczema worse? While coconut oil is mostly considered safe for use, some people may experience an allergic reaction to coconut oil. Can you use almond oil on eczema? Yes, almond oil is a moisturizer that will help moisturize dry skin caused by eczema. Studies indicate that a moisturizer with almond oil was effective in treating mild to moderate hand dermatitis (10). How do you use oregano oil for eczema? Ensure you avoid applying oregano oil directly on the skin. It may cause skin irritation. Dilute one or two drops of oregano oil in a carrier oil. Then you can apply the mixture directly. Is rosemary oil good for itchy skin? Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe and manage eczema (1).
Accelerate the healing of eczema using essential oils. Check the video below for some effective natural remedies that may help in soothing and relieving eczema symptoms for faster recovery. (i) How to Use Chamomile Essential Oil for Soothing Skin Conditions https://essentialoilsandyou.co.uk/2014/04/17/soothing-chamomile-for-skin-conditions/
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