FIVE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ECZEMA
FIVE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ECZEMA
Eczema is a skin condition causing the skin to become dry, itchy, red and scaly. It is caused by allergic reactions on the skin and involves the formation of red spots, inflamed skin, and crusted patches. It is associated with many biochemical abnormalities of the skin such as lesions, itching, and the skin’s inflammation caused by various yeast, bacteria, virus, and fungal infections.
Children mostly get affected by eczema, and the location and severity of skin lesions depends upon the age of children and some genetic conditions. The condition of eczema can lead from mild to severe. In mild cases, the individual develops small patches with dry itchy skin. However, if the condition becomes severe, then inflammation can be observed all over the skin with raised bumps, rashes, and leaky fluid due to persistent scratching.
There are numerous causes of eczema, including environmental factors, genetics, hormonal changes, irritants, stress, and animal dander. If severe eczema does not respond to traditional medications and treatments, you would be looking for a suitable option that will provide you relief from itchy and dry rashes. Complementary therapy for eczema can be the use of specific essential oils.
ECZEMA AND ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are concentrated extracts of various plants; they have been used throughout history due to their remarkable benefits. They play an essential role in soothing the skin, in reducing inflammation and irritation of the skin. Being pure carrier oils, they are suitable options for eczema, and they are super effective in easing the itchiness and calming the skin. Only a few essential oils can ease eczema symptoms.
1.Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is among the best oils for eczema; tea tree oil has so many properties, from alleviating the swelling to fighting viruses, and preventing the inflammation, tea tree oil can do it all. Tea tree oil is derived from the foliage of Melaleuca alternifolia. It contains over 100 terpenes, including the one that works effectively against pathogens.
In a study published in 2010, Researches compared various herbs and minerals in treating eczema and found out tea tree oil to be most effective. Studies have shown that eczema lowers the skin’s ability to fight off viral infections that increase the skin’s irritation. Tea tree oil having antiviral properties helps to prevent various viral infections and provide protection to the skin.
Other than being an essential oil for treating eczema, tea tree oil carries properties of purifying the air, which is required to prevent allergens from making the condition of itching worse. Applying this oil diluted with water or other safe carrier oils on the skin will protect your skin from various allergens and prevent your skin condition from worsening.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is another remarkable oil for eczema. It has numerous health benefits, such as calming nausea and relieving indigestion. It has also claimed to provide relief from itching. Having anti-inflammatory properties, it can treat various eczema symptoms, and its soothing scent can alleviate stress. Peppermint oil also carries antibacterial properties that promote rapid eczema healing.
3. Lavender oil
Lavender oil is another amazing essential oil with miraculous health benefits. It can do so much for the body and mind and is amazingly effective in treating eczema symptoms. Lavender oil has antiseptic and soothing properties; it can address eczema flareups fairly effectively.
Lavender oil being a complex mixture of phytochemicals, provides relief from stress and anxiety, which is one of the eczema causes. It is an amazing sleep aid, and patients with eczema can use it at night when the frequent itching and pain causes insomnia. Applying lavender oil on the skin safely diluted with water or other safe carrier oils will provide relief and will help you in sleeping.
4. Sandalwood Oil
The list of essential oils for eczema is incomplete without sandalwood oil. This oil is widely accepted for its moisturizing, soothing, itching, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a combination of all the components that provide relief from dry, irritating skin from eczema flareups. A study in 2014 illustrated that sandalwood oil could mimic painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen without causing any side-effects, which makes it a good remedy for painful sores.
5. CBD oil
CBD oil is extracted from cannabis plants; although not much medical research has been conducted on the benefits of CBD oil eczema treatment, the numerous anecdotal evidence is enough to document CBD oil may be very effective for treating eczema. Many experts have suggested that cannabis, such as CBD, can help provide relief from eczema conditions. CBD oil can reduce skin inflammation and provide relief from irritated and dry skin. Cannabinoid receptors are also present in the nervous system; therefore, CBD oil can help soothe eczema symptoms. It may also help provide relief from stress and anxiety. Many experts belief combining CBD with other properly selected terpenes or essential oils has an unmatched synergistic effect for your skin.
HOW TO TREAT ECZEMA WITH ESSENTIAL OILS?
There are multiple procedures you can use to treat eczema with the help of essential oils. Some of the methods include
Add to warm, relaxing bath- Add a few drops of oil in the bathtub. You can use a single oil or a combination of various oils. Soak for half an hour. You can take an oil bath three times a week. It will help to provide you relief from dry, scaly skin.
Essential oil spray- Another very suitable method for using oil to treat eczema is to make your own essential oil spray. If lavender oil is your preference in oil, then make your soothing lavender spray. Add a few drops of oil in distilled water, add it into a spray bottle and apply on the skin.
Skin compress- You can create skin compress through essential oils. Add a few drops of essential oil to 4 cups of cool water. Mix water and oil in a bowl and apply on the skin with the help of clean cloth absorbed in this mixture. It is an effective way of treating eczema.
Dilute before applying- Various essential oils are strong, and if you apply them directly to the skin, they can irritate the skin. Therefore, dilute them first. You can dilute them in water or other oil that is not very concentrated. Tea tree oil is a strong oil, therefore, mix it in coconut or sweet almond oil before using it.
CBD with all-natural infused oils – There are a few suppliers incorporating infused plants containing the most effective essential oils and terpenes in combination with CBD to provide unique treatments and salves for treating eczema.