Best Natural And Essential Oils To Heal Eczema
For centuries, people have been struggling with the frustrating rash, dryness, flaking skin, redness, and itching associated with eczema or dermatitis. While theres currently no cure for eczema, there are many natural remedies that may reduce the flare-ups one of these is essential oils.
For the uninitiated, essential oils are the highly concentrated form of natural oils distilled from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits of a plant. These oils have been used throughout history for their unmatchable medicinal values. In fact, they have earned accolades in reducing itching, irritation, and inflammation caused by eczema.
While many essential oils meet eczema remedy criteria, here are 15 essential oils that are extremely powerful.
Contents
Who Gets Allergic Contact Dermatitis To Essential Oils
Allergic contact dermatitis to essential oils occurs more commonly in people with occupational exposure to essential oils :
- Aromatherapists
- Older patients
- Women.
As a result of increasing use of essential oils in the home, there have been cases of airborne contact dermatitis caused by fragrance diffusers .
Essential oils are used in many countries such as Iran, India, China, and Thailand as a traditional topical therapy for stomach-ache and flatulence in infants. Localisedeczematous reactions have been observed in the abdominal region of infants exposed to this therapy .
The Top 10 Essential Oils For Eczema
In previous blog posts, weve looked at alternative treatments for eczema such as apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and others. Our team wants to explore another one in this post: essential oils. A clinical survey cited in Natural Living Ideas found that more than 40 percent of those polled were dissatisfied with the current state of medical treatments for eczema. Considering that more than 30 million Americans suffer from atopic dermatitis, its safe to say a large number of those with the condition feel the same way. Lets switch gears a bit, though. If you have a young child suffering from eczema, you will do whatever necessary to help them feel better, right? The fact is that more parents are adding essential oils to their little ones eczema prevention routine. Here are the top 10 essential oils to alleviate symptoms:
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Effective Treatment For Infant Eczema
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all eczema treatment. What we mean by this is the regimen that works for your baby may not work for your neighbors. Its imperative to explore a variety of eczema skin care treatments and figure out which yield the most positive results. Here at Soothems, we have developed eczema therapy products using a smart fabric called TEWLTect, a blend of high performance, sustainable polymer fibers enhanced with Chitosan and zinc oxide. Our baby eczema treatment provides a positive, soothing effect that works to reduce itchiness and preserve moisture levels.
If youve been searching for effective eczema sleepwear or, more specifically, eczema pajamas, youve come to the right place. Soothems has rompers, skull caps, arm/leg sleeves, and so much more to help your little one not only be more comfortable in their own skin but also get the great nights sleep they deserve.
Stay tuned for more blog posts detailing holistic treatments for eczema. Shop now for infant eczema products and watch your kiddo take off for the land of smiles!
Weeping Eczema Cream Blend Recipe
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup of shea butter
- 15 drops of lavender essential oil
- 15 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 15 drops of myrrh essential oil
- 10 drops of chamomile essential oil
- 1 teaspoon of vitamin E cream
- 2-ounce double-walled jar
Directions
In a small nonreactive bowl, melt the shea butter over a pot of simmering water. Add the essential oils and vitamin E cream to the liquified shea butter and mix well.
Once cooled, pour the mixture into the jar. Seal the jar once the mixture is cold enough. Apply to affected areas as needed.
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The Tea Tree Oil Eliminates Dandruff And Seborrheic Eczema
The antifungal properties of the tea tree oil help in the reduction of the yeast activity that leads to seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. A seborrheic dermatitis is a protracted form of eczema that is marked by scaly patches on the scalp.
Research has proven the effectiveness of the tea tree oil application in the treatment of dandruff and Seborrheic eczema. It is imperative to take precautions when preparing and applying the tea tree essential oil on the affected skin, considering that high-dose applications may induce adverse reactions in some people.
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Diy Eczema Cream Recipe
If you currently have an eczema outbreak, your best bet is to address the signs immediately. Eczema isnt fun in the slightest! This DIY eczema cream is an all-natural solution that you can feel good about applying to your skin.
Please also attempt to work out the potential causes for YOUR eczema as the eczema causes arent eliminated by the treatment with essential oils. Only the symptoms of eczema can be addressed with a healing salve.
Work with high-quality, organic ingredients. For example, these here from Mountain Rose Herbs.
Buy top-quality ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs here. Mountain Rose Herbs is one of our top 10 best and highly recommended essential oil brands.
Melt all of your base oils in a double-boiler over medium heat.
How To Make A Homemade Eczema Cream
- Add the first 3 ingredients to a double-boiler. If you dont have a professional double-boiler, a simple steam double boiler made with a regular cooking pot and aluminum or glass bowl, will do. That said, a double boiler would be a fantastic little home DIY investment .
- When all of the solids have melted, remove the mixture from the heat.
- Add the 1 tsp of vitamin E oil, and the essential oils.
- Stir to combine.
- While still hot, distribute the liquid mixture into your round metal containers
- Let cool for 15 minutes.
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Carrier Oils For Eczema Essential Oils
In the end, the best essential oil for eczema is actually a blend of some of these oils. When you join them together, you can combine their strengths into one powerful eczema healer. But you cant just blend them and add them directly to your skin.
Your best essential oil for eczema blend needs to be incorporated into a carrier oil.
When your skin is already so sensitive from the eczema, you dont want to add strong essential oils to the irritated area directly. The right carrier oil will help dilute the oil and help it to cover a more broad surface area. Also, the carrier oil will add its own extra nourishment to your eczema patch. Remember dry skin is one of the main eczema triggers.
I have three favorite carrier oil options to help you use your best essential oil for eczema:
- Almond Oil: This is my #1 pick for an eczema carrier oil. Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which the skin absolutely loves ancient medicinal traditions often use sweet almond oil as an eczema treatment even on its own.
- Avocado Oil: This oil is highly nourishing and moisturizing without suffocating the skin it also has plenty of helpful fatty acids and vitamins too.
- Coconut Oil: This is one of the best all-natural moisturizers for anyone. Be sure to choose an organic and unrefined/cold-pressed coconut oil. If you are prone to breakouts, dont choose this oil on your face. Though its one of the best around, its also highly comedogenic
Balancing The Skins Acidity Levels
Vinegar is highly acidic. The skin is naturally acidic, but people with eczema may have less acidic skin than others, which can weaken the skins defenses.
Applying diluted apple cider vinegar could help balance the skins acidity levels, but vinegar can cause burns if it is not diluted.
In contrast, many soaps, detergents, and cleansers are alkaline. They can disrupt the acidity of the skin, which can leave the skin vulnerable to damage. This may explain why washing with certain soaps can cause eczema flares.
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Carrier Oils And Essential Oils Work Together
These carrier oils make the application of essential oils and herbal treatments more comfortable and effective. They efficiently help deliver the benefits of the active ingredients while supplying their own vitamins and fatty acids. Theyâre used for their therapeutic properties in homemade body care products like deodorants, soaps, body butters and many other recipes. Carrier oils have moisturizing and protective properties of their own, making them not just a base, but an integral part of your health and beauty regimen.
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What Are The Different Types Of Essential Oil And What Do They Do
I compiled this list because I thought it was interesting what essential oils are available to consumers and what they do.
Tea tree : it has microbial properties , but it can be toxic when swallowed .
Peppermint oil: It can be used to relieve muscle pain, headache, and stomach upset , but needs more research on whether it can help eczema.
Calendula oil: It has anti-inflammatory properties, but needs research if it help eczema .
Borage oil: It contains high amount of gamma-linolenic acid , which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There are research articles supporting that it can help eczema .
Jojoba oil: It is widely used in skin care products such as moisturizers, shampoos, and conditioners. It is thought to help in retaining skin moisture .
Coconut oil: One study showed that coconut oil may help eczema better than mineral oil .
Sunflower seed oil: This oil contains vitamin E which supports skin health, but more research is needed to support that it helps eczema .
Thyme: It posses antimicrobial properties that fights against bacteria and fungi .
Clove: It may provide relief from itching .
Rose: It can help calm and relax . It may also have antimicrobial properties .
Eucalyptus: It possesses antimicrobial properties .
Fennel: It has antimicrobial properties .
Rose geranium: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin .
Chamomile: It has anti-inflammatory properties which can help eczema , and also has antimicrobial properties.
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Helichrysum Essential Oil For Eczema
Traditionally used for itch relief, the benefits of helichrysum essential oil include strong antibacterial properties and natural wound healing activity. In a recent scientific study, helichrysum essential oil was noted to inhibit growth of the Staphylococcus bacteria by as much as 75%.
In a separate 2014 study, helichyrsum essential oil was observed to promote wound healing, reducing the appearance of scarring by up to 50% in some patients.
Risks Of Using Essential Oils
Like any alternative course of treatment, its important to consult a medical professional before beginning use.
As these are not traditional treatments, they have not been thoroughly studied, and their effectiveness has not been proven.
There is also a risk of allergic reactions or irritation with use of essential oil.
A good way to avoid a possible reaction is to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before using it on a larger area its also important to manage the potency of the essential oil youre using.
This is done by using the right carrier oil. Its also best to avoid direct sunlight or tanning 24 hours after use.
In some cases, essential oils can actually make dermatitis flare-up and worsen your symptoms of eczema.
Avoid oral ingestion of essential oils, as they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration , can cause allergic reactions, or even be toxic, and should be taken only with the guidance of a licensed medical professional.
The risks of essential oil to pregnant women and infants is still widely unknown and you should consult your health care provider for medical advice before using them during pregnancy or before administering to children under 2 years old.
Some can be toxic or even fatal in infants and children if ingested or inhaled, and many can cause severe eye or skin irritation.
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Recipe #: Diy Psoriasis Massage Blend
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of sweet almond oil
- 10 drops of niaouli essential oil
- 10 drops of thyme essential oil
- 10 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 15 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 30 drops of evening primrose oil
- 30 drops of borage seed oil
Directions: In a clean, dark-colored glass bottle, add carrier oils followed by essential oils. Then shake the bottle gently to mix. Add one teaspoon of the blend to your bath water. Soak in the bath water for thirty minutes.
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Another Recipe With Essential Oils
Not all essential oils are the same, but as you saw in our last recipe, there are quite a few that battle psoriasis. In this recipe, we take two favorites and a carrier oil everyone has in their cupboard.
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons of your favorite carrier: avocado, sweet almond, or kukui nut
Directions:
Put your chosen carriers into a large amber bottle with a dropper. Next, add your aromatics. Shake to mix and apply to your psoriasis twice daily.
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Lemongrass Essential Oil For Eczema
Lemongrass is often considered as one of the top essential oils good for eczema. Lemongrass essential oils benefits include its strong antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory properties.
When used in natural eczema remedies, lemongrass essential oil may provide relief for topical pain and help prevent infection.
Essential Oils As Natural Remedies For Eczema
Eczema refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions that affect approximately 30 million people in the U.S.
Its typically more common in babies and children though most seem to outgrow it as they get older.
Adult-onset eczema can also occur even if you never had it as a child or baby.
There are different types of Eczema, each with slightly different symptoms:
- contact dermatitis
Eczema symptoms can vary from person to person but general flare-up symptoms include:
- Dry skin
- Inflamed skin
- Sensitive skin
- Dark-colored patches on the skin
- Scaly patches of skin
While there is no official cure for eczema, there are treatments.
Depending on the severity of your condition your dermatologist may direct you towards over-the-counter topical creams and lotions, topical prescription medication, and even immunosuppressants to treat eczema.
Because the skin is usually sensitive and reactive during an eczema flare-up its possible that medication or products specifically designed for sensitive skin may worsen irritated skin.
This can be because most products contain some level of preservatives and other chemicals that act as irritants on the skin.
Many people often find relief with alternative treatments and home remedies.
One natural way to minimize the severity of eczema symptoms is by using aromatherapy and essential oils.
Just a few drops of EOs contain hundreds of active compounds known to impact the body and immune system.
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How To Use It
People can buy aloe vera gel in health stores or online, or they can purchase an aloe vera plant and use the gel directly from its leaves.
Individuals should aim to use aloe gel products with few ingredients others can contain preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, and colors, which can irritate sensitive skin. Additionally, alcohol and other drying ingredients could make eczema worse.
However, start with a small amount of gel to check for skin sensitivity, as sometimes, aloe vera can cause burning or stinging. However, it is generally safe and effective for adults and children.
What Oils Can Be Used For Eczema
Not all essential oils are safe or appropriate for treatment of eczema, which may cause sensitive skin that reacts to fragrances and irritants.
However, some essential oils contain minerals and nutrients that can help manage symptoms of eczema and have healing properties.
Typically, youll want to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them topically another method for use is through aromatherapy or inhalation by using a diffuser, which may help with stress and anxiety.
Below is a list of some of the essential oils that may help with an eczema flare-up.
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Essential Oil Recipe For Eczema
Users can easily create their own natural remedies for eczema which can be applied to help ease pain, inflammation and prevent infection. Depending on your symptoms, you can swap out any of the essential oils for eczema listed above to customize the topical formula.
For users wondering how to treat eczema infections and inflammation, the following essential oil blend for eczema is considered particularly effective. Combine 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil, 1-2 drops of lemongrass essential oil and 1 Tbsp. of carrier oil such as grape seed, coconut or jojoba in a small bowl.
Apply the mixture to a clean soft cloth and dab on the affected area. Let the mixture sit on the affected area for up to 10 minutes before gently wiping off. Using natural remedies for eczema may help sooth skin and reduce symptoms such as itching.
I started my journey with essential oils about 2 years ago after the birth of my first child. To say that they changed my life forever would be an understatement. I share my story with you, so you can thrive and change your life, like it has done for me.