Eczema symptoms can be relieved by using certain essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Effects vary by plant. According to one study, more than 90 essential oils have properties that may make them suitable for dermatological use. The number of combinations can reach at least 1,500.
According to a report published in Molecular Medicine, herbs are slow-acting and generally have few side effects. Which could explain their popularity as a form of alternative medicine. However, there are not yet many clinical trials or peer-reviewed journals showing the effectiveness of aromatherapy or the topical use of essential oils. Some studies, however, give strong indications for the use of essential oils in case of eczema.
Essential oils that relieve the symptoms of eczema
Chamomile essential oil: soothes inflammation
Chamomile is a traditional treatment that can soothe and calm eczema, inflammation and skin infections. A study has shown that essential oils can penetrate the deep layers of a person’s skin and therefore may be useful as an anti-inflammatory. When the essential oil is diluted and used on the skin as a cream, it can be an effective treatment for atopic eczema. Providing more than half the positive effect of 0.25% hydrocortisone cream.
Clove against itching
Clove oil is considered to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains eugenol, which has anesthetic properties. Researchers tested topical clove oil on a group of people with chronic pruritus. They found a significant improvement in the severity of itching.
Geranium: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
Extracts from the geranium shrub contain over 12 active ingredients that are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Studies indicate that they work against a whole range of bacteria and can help fight acne.
Tea tree: soothe inflammation and prevent infection
Tea tree essential oils have broad-spectrum antioxidant and antimicrobial effects on the skin. Overall, research to support the use of tea tree oil as a topical treatment for eczema is limited. But oils with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects can soothe eczema and help prevent infection of damaged skin.
How to use essential oils to relieve eczema
These essential oils should not be ingested as they can cause liver or kidney damage. Also, children should not use them and people who are pregnant or nursing should be especially careful about their topical use. The effects of possible toxicities on unborn babies are not fully explored.
The use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes is called aromatherapy. The natural oil can be inhaled or applied to the skin. However, it is essential to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin.
Diluted essential oil
Suitable carrier oils are coconut, jojoba, olive, and sweet almond. After adding a few drops of essential oil to the carrier oil, the mixture can be used on the skin, in creams or lotions. It can also be used as a bath product.
What are the causes of eczema?
There are different types of eczema, and research has not defined the root causes of this condition. However, it can be a combination of triggers and genes. The different types of eczema are:
– atopic dermatitis
– allergic contact dermatitis
– dyshidrotic eczema
– neurodermatitis
– discoid eczema
– stasis dermatitis
Typically, people with eczema have an immune system that overreacts when triggered, leading to inflammation. The inflammation causes the symptoms associated with eczema, such as red skin, itching, and pain.
The main causes of eczema
Genetic
Filaggrin is a protein that helps the skin maintain a protective barrier. In some people with eczema, the gene responsible for creating filaggrin has mutated. If the body cannot produce enough filaggrin, the skin cannot retain moisture. Bacteria and germs can then penetrate the outer layers. This leads to dry and easily infected skin. Individuals can inherit genes that cause atopic eczema. Children who have a parent or sibling with eczema are more likely to develop the condition.
Feed
Foods can cause eczema symptoms to flare up or get worse. A person may not have a true food allergy, but may be sensitive to certain foods which may then cause a reaction. Also, a child with atopic dermatitis may be at higher risk for food sensitivity.
Irritants
A series of products used for house cleaning, cosmetics or certain natural substances can cause an eczema flare-up. The most common irritants are:
– antibacterial ointment
– detergents
– disinfectants
– perfumes
– Juice
– metals
– soaps
– some fabrics
Other environmental factors or allergens can also trigger eczema, such as dust mites, animal hair, pollen or mold. In some people, certain foods can make eczema worse.
Stress
Doctors aren’t quite sure how emotional stress acts as a trigger. However, some people see their eczema symptoms worsen if they feel stressed. Some research indicates that stress affects the immune system and skin barrier function. This leads to a deterioration of the symptoms of eczema.
hormones
Women may experience eczema flare-ups in the days leading up to their period or during pregnancy. Additionally, a person going through menopause may also have a flare-up of eczema due to a drop in estrogen. This affects the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
Medications
If a person is sensitive to one or more of the ingredients in certain medications, this reaction can affect symptoms, including discoid eczema, also known as nummular eczema.
Injury
An injury that causes obvious damage to the skin can cause post-traumatic eczema. As the tissue heals, the inflammatory response or any localized infection can cause symptoms.
Sources
Ncbi
