Oils and eczema treatments
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Natural oils have a long history of being stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory, providing relief for many patients. Of course, you should consult a dermatologist or a doctor about treatment options for your eczema, especially if you are already under eczema medication. They can also prescribe additional prescription topical medications, immunosuppressants, or biologic drugs, or explain how natural oils can help.
What is eczema?
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Treating eczema prone skin with oils
Eczema among the most common skin conditions, affecting around 30 million people. There are several types of eczema: contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. Each kind of eczema manifests different symptoms, ranging from inflamed skin to unpleasant oozing scabs. Usually, over-the-counter creams or lotions can keep symptoms under control, but in some cases, those with eczema cannot tolerate even the most basic medication formulas. For these patients, it is recommended to try either plain petroleum jelly or a natural oil alternative.
Essential oils and Eczema
Essential oils can cause an itchy rash which is similar to a poison rash in people who are allergic to the oil or the fragrance itself. People with eczema-prone and sensitive skin are especially at risk. Ask your physician about these risks and how to test for a possible allergy before applying them.
Essential and pure carrier oils are a treatment option for eczema because they are effective yet mild on the skin; they are easy to experiment with because of their simplicity of formula. However, there are certain ways to use essential oils for eczema to fully maximize their benefits. The most effective way to use essential oils is to have them blended with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are natural too but act as a ‘vehicle’ efficiently delivering the essential oils to the desired areas.
How to treat Eczema using Essential Oils
Eczema is a complex skin condition that causes very itchy patches of skin that can be flaky, dry or oozing. Some immunological abnormalities are related to eczema, which is also referred to as atopic dermatitis. Suspicious causes of eczema include allergies, irritation, genetics, stress, parasites and lifestyle concerns. To apply essential oils for treatment, you should concentrate on soothing agents and anti-inflammatory, while bearing in mind that treatment will be individualized.Essential oils that have alcohols and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, particularly alpha-bisabolol, are the best for eczema treatment. When botanical extracts are included, the therapeutic advantages and soothing qualities are enhanced. Some common botanical extracts are like vegetable and fruit oils, butter, and herbs. These include healthy omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and are excellent for soothing irritated skin. Now work up a blend of the above essential oils along with a carrier oil to soothe and hydrate your skin.
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How to use oils for eczema
Fill your bathtub with some warm water
Combine 1 tsp of an oil of your choice, like tea tree or lavender with a cup of finely ground oats. Add this blend to your bath and mix it well. Allow yourself to soak in this bath for about half an hour, and during this time, gently rub the oatmeal mix onto your skin. Do not scrub it harshly. Rather, give it a gentle exfoliation to prevent causing flare-ups.
Make a hand or foot bath
Add a teaspoon of your preferred essential oil to a basin of lukewarm water and stir it, so it is mixed evenly. Soak the afflicted area for about 20 minutes while simultaneously massaging the skin to increase circulation to the area.
Massage the affected area with oil
After getting out of the shower, massage the oil of choice all over your body or onto your affected areas while your skin is still slightly damp.
Topical application of the oil
Using your fingertips, rub the oil of choice gently over any affected areas often throughout the day. If the oil cause you discomfort, add a carrier oil, so it is more diluted.
Essential oils you can use for Eczema
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Angelica Essential Oil
Angelica is commonly used to flavor foods and drinks due to its sweet and spicy aroma. However, it also has a lot of health benefits. It is an antispasmodic, fighting symptoms like cramps, muscle aches, coughs, diarrhea, and convulsions. It also helps in digestion and clearing the body of toxins. It can help reduce fevers and is a relaxant. Angelica is also great for the lymphatic system, and can effectively treat bronchitis, headaches, asthma, infections, anemia, and psoriasis. Because it contains terpenes, this is also a great anti-seizure aid.
Pros
- It blends very well with other oils.
- It helps maintain a proper balance of acids in the stomach.
- It has a calming, deep woody scent.
Cons
- This oil should not be utilized by people with diabetes and pregnant women.
- Its use may lead to skin irritation.
- High doses if this oil may cause hyperactivity in the nervous system.
Bergamot Essential Oil
This oil has been utilized by Italians to help decrease stress and soothe skin conditions. Bergamot oil can also be utilized as a cleanser because it is a purifier for the skin and can calm irritation. Bergamot can be diffused, applied topically, or even combined with your favorite beverage. You can utilize it as a massage oil or mix in a drop or two to your skincare cleanser.
Pros
- This is very potent, so a little goes a long way. The scent it gives is very energetic.
- This is a great oil to apply if you want to soothe a cold.
Cons
- If applied onto your skin directly, it may trigger irritation.
- This oil shouldn’t be applied to children.
- Do not apply this oil before going out in the sun.
Cajeput Essential Oil
Cajeput is similar to tea tree oil and has an energizing scent. It is used for occasional skin irritation on the lips, but can also be utilized to combat cramping due to menstruation. It’s quite pricey when compared to other oils.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum essential oil is obtained from a natural medicinal plant and has a lot of different healthful benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. It lowers inflammation due to several mechanisms, like inflammatory enzyme inhibition, free radical scavenging, and corticoid effects.Helichrysum essential oil has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities. Because of this, it can be utilized in many ways to boost health and keep diseases at bay. Some of its common uses include the treatment of wounds, helping cure infections, reducing digestive problems, and supporting nerve function and cardiovascular health.
Pros
- It is great for sunburn relief.
- It is a natural cure for candida.
- It can help prevent multiple sclerosis.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender can reduce nervous tension, disinfect the skin, ease the pain, boost blood circulation, and repair respiratory problems. Many people utilize lavender to help induce sleep. It also helps treat stress and anxiety. One of the beneficial characteristics of this oil is its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce skin problems like acne, help treat eczema and boost overall immunity. Lavender should be avoided by pregnant women, and it should also be noted that it can induce nausea or an allergic reaction.
Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh is a traditional healing oil for several ailments. This essential oil has a woody and smoky smell. It serves to defend against signs of aging (such as wrinkles), and it promotes the healing of wounds and other skin issues. It has a great effect on eczema affected skin, asthma symptoms, treating colds, and relieving sore throats and ulcers. It should be evaded by pregnant women and may become fetotoxic.
Rose Essential Oil
The benefits of rose essential oil come from its qualities as an antidepressant, inflammation reducer, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bacteria-fighter, hepatic, laxative, etc. This oil helps combat depression, decrease inflammation, treat wounds, protect against viruses, kill bacteria, heal the skin, purify the blood, maintain good liver health, prevent excessive bleeding, and ease anxiety.
Pros
- It is very fragrant; a little goes a long way.
- Its beautiful scent induces happiness.
Cons
- Some find that it dries their skin or the scent is too overpowering and can result in headaches.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
This oil is renowned for its antiseptic properties and ability to heal wounds. It has been touted for its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. People also use it topically to treat skin problems and treat viral infections. It is often included in a variety of household and cosmetic products, like face washes, massage oils, skin creams, shampoos, and laundry detergents. Its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities make it a popular essential oil.
Some of the issues that tea tree oil is used to treat include:
- Acne
- Cold sores
- Chickenpox
- Earaches
- Fungal infections
- MRSA, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- Psoriasis
- Head lice
- Staph infections
Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil is great for improving circulation and boosting the immune system. It is also effective in eliminating bacteria and treating skin diseases.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood has benefits ranging from being an antiseptic to boosting memory. Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties; it is a disinfectant, muscle relaxant, diuretic, and health tonic. It is also utilized as a sedative for skin care.
