Essential Oils for the Treatment of Eczema
What is Eczema?
ec·ze·ma
noun
A medical condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed, with blisters that cause itching and bleeding, sometimes resulting from a reaction to irritation (eczematous dermatitis) but more typically having no obvious external cause.
The most common version of eczema is Atopic Dermatitis. Eczema looks like an allergic reaction but is actually a reaction to the skin being irritated. The skin can be very sore and sensitive to touch, sunlight, and temperature. It is not contagious but it does seem to run through genetic lineage and in those who may have asthma or hay fever. The good news is that using essential oils for the treatment of eczema is effective. Read on to learn more!
Why does Eczema occur?
Doctors do not know exactly what triggers eczema to occur but it is widely thought to be a combination of the following factors: genetics, abnormal function of the immune system, environment, activities that may cause skin to be more sensitive, and/or defects in the skin barrier that allow moisture out and germs in.
Flare Ups
Eczema flares up when skin is irritated while sensitive. Some irritations which may trigger a flare or make one worse include:
- Wool or scratchy clothing or bedding
- Dry cold weather
- Soap
- Perfume
- Make up
- Dust
- Chlorine
- Pollution
Those with eczema should also avoid the following situations which can make the skin more sensitive and prone to flare ups:
- Staying in water too long
- Being stressed
- Being too hot or too cold
- Sweating then cooling off quickly
- Taking baths or showers that are too hot
- Not using a moisturizer after bathing
- Low humidity in the winter
- Living in a climate that is dry year-round
- Smokey environments
What essential oils are used for the treatment of eczema?
To use essential oils for treatment, the main focus should be on anti-inflammatory and soothing agents. Keep in mind that treatment will be specific to the individual. Essential oils that are antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and emollient can help to support skin health while reducing the number and/or severity of flare ups. When botanical extracts are also included, the therapeutic benefits and soothing qualities are enhanced. Common botanical extracts may include vegetable oils, nut butters, and herb extracts. With omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, these are great for soothing sore and irritated skin.
Anti-inflammatory: German Chamomile, Lavender, Palmarosa
Antipruritic (anti-itch): Lavender, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Peppermint, Sandalwood
Cracked or Weeping Skin: Bergamot, Frankincense, Lavender, Thyme, Basil, Juniper berry, Palmarosa
Scaling: Patchouli, Cedarwood Atlas
How to use essential oils for the treatment of Eczema
1. Bathe and Exfoliate
While your bathtub fills, combine your essential oil blend with 1 cup of finely ground rolled oats. Add this mixture to your bath and swirl. While you are soaking in the bath (for no longer than half an hour) gently rub the hydrated oatmeal in circles on your skin for some light exfoliation.
2. Warm Soak and Circulation Increase
Stir in your chosen essential oil to a basin of warm water. Soak the eczema area for around 15 mins. While you soak, it is beneficial to massage the affected area to increase blood flow
3. Cool Compress
Best used to help mitigate leaking and to prevent crust from accumulating. This method also relieves inflammation. Fill a clean basin with cool water, add essential oil and stir. Soak a clean washcloth, wring, and apply to the area in need. Dip, wring and apply 3 more times. Leave the last compress in place for 3 minutes. Dry and moisturize.
4. Topical Application
Essential oils for eczema and dermatitis should be used in a 1-2% dilution (6-12 drops of essential oil per 1 oz of carrier oil).
Using your fingertips, apply the essential oil blend diluted in carrier oil or cream gently over any affected areas. This can be done a couple of times throughout the day and especially before bed.
5. Massage
After bathing or showering, pat skin dry and massage your essential oil blend with a carrier oil or cream onto the affected areas. The carrier oil can soothe and smooth as the essential oils go to work. This also prevents any irritation from direct oil contact with the skin.
Dilution Recommendations By Age
Newborn:
1 drop essential oil: Lavender or German Chamomile per oz carrier oil
2-6 months:
1 to 2 drops essential oils: Lavender or German Chamomile per oz carrier oil
1 to 2 drops essential oils: Lavender or German Chamomile per oz carrier oil
6-12 months:
1-3 drops essential oils: Lavender, German Chamomile, Palmarosa per oz of carrier oil
1-3 drops essential oils: Lavender, German Chamomile, Palmarosa per oz of carrier oil
1-4 years:
1-5 drops essential oils: Lavender, German Chamomile, Palmarosa per oz of carrier oil
1-5 drops essential oils: Lavender, German Chamomile, Palmarosa per oz of carrier oil
5-7 years:
3-6 drops of essential oils: Lavender, German Chamomile, Palmarosa per oz of carrier oil
3-6 drops of essential oils: Lavender, German Chamomile, Palmarosa per oz of carrier oil
8-12 years:
5-9 drops of essential oils: Bergamot, Lavender, German Chamomile, Palmarosa per oz of carrier oil
5-9 drops of essential oils: Bergamot, Lavender, German Chamomile, Palmarosa per oz of carrier oil
Managing Eczema Symptoms
It is unlikely the eczema will go away forever-more, never to be seen again, without any more flare ups occurring. You can, however, mitigate the triggers and symptoms using essential oils specific for your treatment and controlling the environments you frequent.
Two great products from Nezza Naturals are below, the Psorganic Ointment and the Skin Repair Oil. The ointment is great for the body, arms, legs, and torso. Whereas the oil is nice to use on the face and more sensitive areas. These products can also be used to treat Psoriasis and other general dry skin conditions.
Please be aware the information in this article is in no way intended as a substitute for your doctor’s recommendations. If the condition is persistent or worsens, please see your health care professional.
Psorganic Ointment
Therapeutic healing salve for dermatitis such as psoriasis and eczema. Powerful healing oils of Tamanu, Borage Seed, Rosehip Seed, Chamomile & Lavender. Soothing oils and butters to help calm redness, inflammation and itchiness.
- Anti-inflammatory skin soothing salve
- For dermatitis such as eczema and psoriasis
- Organic oils, butters and essential oils
- Tamanu Oil, Rosehip Oil and Chamomile
ORGANIC | NATURAL | HANDMADE
Skin Repair Oil
A plant based, therapeutic oil blend for scars, dermatitis (eczema/psoriasis), and irritated skin conditions. Anti-inflammatory and soothing moisturizing oil blend for irritated, itchy, inflamed skin conditions. Also helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
- Great for face and body- Suitable for ages 2+
A plant based, therapeutic oil blend for scars, dermatitis (eczema/psoriasis), and irritated skin conditions. Anti-inflammatory and soothing moisturizing oil blend for irritated, itchy, inflamed skin conditions. Also helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
- Great for face and body- Suitable for ages 2+
- High quality plant based oils
- For scars, dermatitis and more
ORGANIC | NOURISHING | HANDMADE
Got Questions? Give us a shout!
If you have any questions about natural skin care for anyone, we are happy to help.
Visit our website at www.nezzanaturals.com for more essential oil information and DIY recipes.