Essential Oils For Eczema: Benefits, How To Use, & Precautions
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Loading... - Avril Moulin
- 21 Jul 2022
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Eczema is a chronic skin condition that makes the skin dry, flaky, and itchy. It cannot be cured. However, you can manage the eczema symptoms with proper treatment and alternative therapies. For example, many people use essential oils for eczema to soothe flare-ups.
While there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of essential oils for eczema, it is best to understand how they work before using them. Keep reading to understand the proper usage, benefits, and associated risks of using essential oils.
Can Essential Oils Help With Eczema? What Are The Benefits?
Essential oils may help in managing atopic dermatitis or eczema symptoms. 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. Let€™s 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. Read More...
