Overview
If your acute eczema does not respond to conventional treatment, you may be wondering what other options you have. In addition to the treatments recommended by your doctor, you can try complementary or alternative medicine.
One type of complementary therapy that may interest you is the use of essential oils. Essential oils are extracts from the lower extremities extracted from various plants. They are used in aromatherapy or for topical use. Carriers dissolve in oil.
Eczema may causes red, itchy, and dry rashes on your skin that may range from mild to severe gradually. Frequent scratching due to severe eczema can damage your skin, putting you at risk for skin infections. Finding a way to handle this situation successfully can avoid complications.
Here are some essential oils that can reduce the symptoms of eczema. Let’s take a look at some of the dangers of using them first.
Potential Risks
Although essential oils can relieve severe eczema, use these oils with caution. Some people experience irritation due to allergic reactions or allergies after applying the oil.
Also, more research is needed to find out if these oils actually help relieve the symptoms of eczema.
If you are using essential oils for the first time, check the skin. To test the skin:
- Apply a small, lean dab to a patch of skin.
- Look for signs of a reaction, such as stinging, burning or redness.
If you buy essential oils, use them as directed. Essential oils should never be applied. They should be diluted with carrier oil before you use them. Essential oils can be:
- Apply to skin
- Spread in the air for aromatherapy
- Join a bathroom to take bath
Talk to your doctor first if you want to know about essential oils. They can help you determine if using essential oils is a cause for concern, such as worsening your condition.
1- Tea Tree Oil
The tea tree oil, can be obtained from the tea tree plant. It is used in a variety of skin conditions, including:
- Athlete’s feet
- Head lice
- Nail fungus
- Insect bites
Tea tree oil has been shown to be a reliable source as an effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment.
In a 2010 study, researchers compared various different herbs and minerals to treat contact dermatitis and found that tea tree oil is the most effective.
However, in other studies, undivided tea tree oil is also found in people who are allergic to one or more components of the oil.
Tea tree oil is strong. There is a risk of skin irritation. Always lighten it with carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or organ oil, before applying to the skin.
Another important safety precaution: You should never apply tea tree oil. If injected, it can cause confusion and muscle harmony.
2- Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is considered to have numerous health benefits, such as its ability to relieve indigestion and nausea. Some people claim that it can also be used topically to reduce itching.
This oil is very concentrated. Mix it with carrier oil before using. Use a few drops first to avoid rushing. Never apply it on your face. And avoid using it on the chests of children or young children, as it can be harmful if they inhale it.
There is very limited research on peppermint oil and its effects on eczema, so be careful when using it. Talk to your doctor before trying.
3- Calendula Oil
Calendula oil comes from calendula flowers or marigold flowers.
Some small studies from a reliable source show that calendula has anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin and can reduce swelling and pain. There is no research on calendula oil, especially for eczema, so it is not certain that it can relieve your symptoms.
Again, to be safe, talk to your doctor and test the skin patch before use.
4- Borage Oil
Some studies have investigated the use of borage oil to soften eczema-affected skin. Burdock oil contains fatty acids which are converted into hormonal substances with anti-inflammatory properties.
Some people claim that there is an improvement in dermatitis. But the results of the study or researches are mixed and different. Further research is needed to determine if borage oil is effective in reducing the symptoms of eczema.
Other Botanical Oils
In addition to the above essential oils, there are other plant-derived oils that can help treat severe eczema. They can be applied to the skin or used as a carrier oil for essential oils.
5- Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil can be obtained from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It is used as an ingredient in many body care products, such as shampoos, lotions, and facial cleansers. Some studies have shown that jojoba oil is also anti-inflammatory and can be used to soften skin and relieve irritation.
It is also a powerful moisturizer. Jojoba oil looks a lot like human sebum, a lubricating substance that is secreted from the skin and hair.
6- Coconut Oil
Some people claim that coconut oil has many benefits, whether you cook it or apply it superficially.
Coconut oil has some antimicrobial properties that can reduce the chances of skin infections. It is also anti-inflammatory, so it can soothe dry, cracked skin due to inflammation.
In a 2013 study involving 117 children with eczema, using virgin coconut oil for 8 weeks improved their skin.
However, this one study does not mean that coconut oil can improve your eczema. Some people may be allergic to coconut oil. You should always talk to your consultant or doctor before applying or using anything new to your skin.
7- Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil is another carrier oil, that’s why some people think or claim, it has anti-inflammatory properties. This helps in reducing dryness and stimulating skin hydration.
Sunflower seed oil is also a source of antioxidant vitamin E. Some research has shown that vitamin E can reduce the effects of dermatitis. It can be useful for eczema, but more research is needed.