Best Essential Oils for Eczema | Use Essential Oils for Eczema Treatment

What Causes Eczema, and What Are Its Symptoms?

Eczema, in simple terms, can be understood as a chronic skin inflammatory condition that can be caused in people of any age. According to a study conducted in 2014 on eczema, the general causes of eczema can be a combination of genetic as well as environmental factors like cold and dry weather, dampness, dust, moulds, etc. In some cases, allergens also cause eczema, as allergies to milk, eggs, soya, peanuts, etc., can lead to eczema. Also, it has been seen that the fabric material, in some cases, causes eczema. The use of synthetic fabrics or wool in some people can cause eczema. 

According to the British Journal of Community Nursing, 2011 the common symptoms of eczema include dry and itchy skin, skin irritation, redness, inflammation, swelling, blisters, etc. What causes eczema, as well as the symptoms of eczema, vary from person to person. There are many commercial products available in the market that are used to treat eczema.

But these days, people are thriving on natural solutions to treat their skin as well as hair problems. Essential oils are one of the natural solutions that one can inculcate in their routine to treat troubled skin. Though, it is important to consult a doctor if your eczema is very severe. 

In this article, we will discuss some of the top essential oils that can be used for treating eczema. The article will also focus on suggesting ways to use essential oils for eczema treatment. It will also discuss some of the key benefits of essential oils for eczema. 

Continue reading to learn more about essential oils for reducing eczema and treating eczema symptoms.

What Are Essential Oils?

According to a study in 2019, essential oils are natural products that are extracted from different parts of plants like flower, fruit, bark, leaves, stem, etc. These essential oils contain all the important elements and compounds as well as necessary nutrients and minerals that help treat many different skin and health conditions.

According to a study in 2015, essential oils are rich in anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, astringent, antioxidants, and other such properties that are helpful in treating many skin conditions. Therefore, it is believed that essential oils have properties that can help treat eczema. Following are some of the best essential oils that can be used as a treatment for eczema. 

Best Essential Oils for the Treatment of Eczema | Best Essential Oils for Eczema 

Essential oils can be used as natural remedies to soothe and nourish your skin. Below are some of the essential oils that you can inculcate in your skincare routine to get relief from eczema and treat its symptoms. 

1. Lavender Essential Oil 

Lavender oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils that has been used since ages to treat many different skin conditions. It has natural calming and soothing properties that help in treating symptoms of eczema like skin irritation. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating inflamed skin, redness, and swelling, which are common symptoms of eczema.

Study reveals that lavender oil also contains antiseptic properties that help in reducing the pain caused by eczema. Lavender oil is highly nourishing and soothing and helps get rid of dry skin conditions. Its antimicrobial properties help in treating eczema and speed up the recovery process. Lavender oil’s calming and sedative properties help relax and reduce stress and anxiety caused due to eczema. Lavender oil has natural healing properties.  

2. Tea Tree Essential Oil 

Tea tree oil is one of the most popular essential oils when it comes to skincare. According to Clinical microbiology reviews in 2006, tea tree oil is rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating many skin conditions. It helps calm irritated skin, reduces inflammation and swelling, and also promotes faster healing. It contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that help treat eczema and also prevent skin irritation. These properties also help restrict the spread of infection and thus promote a speedy recovery. Tea tree oil has a cooling sensation that offers relief from eczema symptoms. It is also rich in antiseptic properties that help reduce discomforts caused by eczema. 

3. Chamomile Essential Oil

Study reveals that chamomile oil contains natural soothing and calming properties that make it most appropriate for sensitive skin type conditions like eczema. It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation, redness, irritation, swelling, and pain. Chamomile oil also contains nourishing properties that help get rid of dryness and irritation. Diffusing this oil creates a calming and relaxing ambience that is great for reducing the stress and mental fatigue that is usually experienced when suffering from eczema. So, chamomile can also be used to treat symptoms of eczema. 

4. Geranium Essential Oil 

The study states that one of the major characteristics of geranium oil is that it has balancing properties. This means that it helps regulate oil production on the skin, and thus, this characteristic makes it appropriate for use by both dry skin and oily skin types. It helps manage oil generation on the skin and treats dry skin conditions. It promotes skin rejuvenation and has a pleasant floral aroma. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce skin redness and irritation. 

5. Frankincense Essential Oil 

Frankincense oil has been used for centuries as it has natural healing properties. According to a study in 2016, frankincense oil has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for eczema-prone skin. It also contains skin-regenerative properties that help treat skin conditions and promotes faster healing based on skin cell renewal. It has a woody and earthy scent that has a grounding effect and promotes a tranquil environment, thus reducing stress and anxiety that can trigger eczema flare-ups. It can be used to treat dry and flaky skin. 

6. Rose Essential Oil 

Rose oil is known for its soothing and hydrating properties that are great for the skin. It is a great oil that helps balance the moisture of the skin. It also treats dry and irritated skin that are symptoms of eczema. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and inflammation. It is a great oil to incorporate into your skincare routine. It has a great floral fragrance that promotes calmness and relaxation. 

7. Sandalwood Essential Oil 

Sandalwood oil has a woodsy scent that is known for its calming properties. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness, skin irritation, and itchiness. It is a great oil that helps reduce stress and anxiety. It also has grounding effects that help maintain a good balance. 

Sandalwood oil is also regarded as one of the top essential oils for itchy rashes thanks to its natural soothing and anti-inflammatory agents. It can decrease skin inflammation, irritation, and discomfort when applied topically.

8. Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli oil is one of the best and most effective essential oils that holds many benefits and advantages for your skin. It has skin regenerative properties that help heal the skin faster. It is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation, skin irritation, itchiness, redness, swelling, and pain. The study states that it is a great oil that promotes cell renewal and, thus, is appropriate for eczema-damaged skin. It has natural calming properties that help in calming irritated skin. It also helps alleviate stress and promotes overall well-being. 

9. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang-ylang oil is a great balancing oil that helps regulate and manage the production of oil on the skin. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to treat eczema symptoms like itching and inflammation. It has a sweet and floral scent that is very relaxing and creates a tranquil environment. It is a great oil to incorporate into your skincare routine. 

10. Eucalyptus Essential Oil 

Eucalyptus oil has a refreshing minty scent that can help uplift your mood. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help in treating eczema symptoms. Eucalyptus oil is great for treating congestion in the airways, and thus, if someone is struggling with respiratory issues due to eczema can use this natural oil to clear their airways. 

11. Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot oil is soothing in nature and is a great choice for treating symptoms associated with eczema. It contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can be used to manage eczema and promotes speedy recovery. It has a citrusy scent that is very refreshing and energizing and helps uplift mood instantly. 

12. Juniper Berry Essential Oil 

Juniper berry oil contains cleansing and detoxifying properties that help purify the skin and treat many skin conditions like eczema. It helps reduce inflammation, itchiness, skin irritation, etc. It has a grounding effect and an invigorating woody scent that offers calmness and relaxation.  

13. Calendula Essential Oil 

The study states that calendula oil has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for eczema-prone skin. It can help reduce redness, itching, and swelling. Calendula oil is gentle and safe for most individuals, including infants.

14. Peppermint Essential Oil 

Study reveals that peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation that can alleviate itching and discomfort caused by eczema. It also has antimicrobial properties that help prevent infections and help soothe irritated skin. Peppermint oil has a very refreshing scent that helps uplift your mood and also energizes you. 

15. Helichrysum Essential Oil 

Helichrysum oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can provide relief from eczema symptoms. It helps reduce redness, swelling, and itching. Helichrysum oil should be used in small quantities and should be properly diluted before topical application. It is rich in nourishing properties and thus can help heal a variety of skin dryness issues and also repairs cracked skin. 

16. Myrrh Essential Oil 

According to a study, myrrh oil has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and heal eczema-affected skin. It promotes skin cell regeneration, reduces redness, and relieves itching. Myrrh oil should be used in small amounts and diluted.

These are some of the top essential oils that one can use for treating damaged skin and improving overall skin health. These essential oils can be used for eczema symptoms as well. Though, it is advised to visit a doctor in the case of severe eczema. 

What are the Important Benefits of Essential Oils for Eczema and the Symptoms of Eczema?

1. Calming and Soothing Properties

Essential oils have been used since ages for its soothing and calming properties. Oils like lavender oil, eucalyptus, chamomile oil, etc., are renowned for their calming and soothing properties. Essential oils possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help reduce itching and irritation associated with eczema. When applied topically, these essential oils soothe the skin and help heal the skin and reduce eczema. Essential oils like lavender oil, chamomile oil, etc. can provide relief, promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality which is an important aspect of managing eczema symptoms.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Almost all essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful for eczema. They can be used to alleviate eczema-related inflammation and redness. Essential oils can help in reducing swelling and redness as well, which are common symptoms of eczema.  

3. Moisturizing Properties

Essential oils are rich in moisturizing and nourishing content that are good for dry skin conditions. It helps heal damaged and dry skin. Oils contain healthy fatty acids that can penetrate the skin, sealing in moisture and preventing dryness which is a common issue for individuals with eczema. Regular application of coconut oil can help alleviate itchiness, reduce redness, and enhance the skin barrier function, thereby improving the overall condition of eczema-prone skin.

4. Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Properties

Essential oils contain antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that help repair skin. People with eczema are prone to bacterial and fungal infections due to compromised skin barrier function. Essential oils with antimicrobial activity can help combat these infections and promote a healthier skin environment. 

What are the Different Ways to Use Essential Oils to Treat Eczema?

There are many different ways to use an essential oil. Following are some of the common use of essential oils that can help deal with skin infections like eczema. 

1. Topical Application

Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil, before applying to the skin. Essential oils are concentrated in nature and can cause skin irritation. So, to avoid this and reduce its concentration, it is necessary to dilute essential oils before topical application. After dilution, essential oils can be applied directly to the skin. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply it on the desired area, and then gently massage for better absorption. 

Also, there are chances that some people might be allergic to some essential oils. So, it is advised to undertake a patch test before applying the essential oil to the affected area. Perform a patch test under your forearm or a small area of your skin before using any essential oil to check for any adverse reactions.

2. Bathing

Add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes. This allows the essential oils to penetrate the skin and provide relief from itching and inflammation. Be cautious with essential oils in the bath, as there are many essential oils that may cause skin irritation. The trick is to add a few drops of essential oils and avoid using excess oils in your bath. It is always appropriate to use oils with caution and in restricted quantities. 

3. Inhalation

Inhaling the aroma of essential oils can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or inhale the scent directly from the bottle. This method can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which may indirectly benefit eczema symptoms. Diffusing essential oils may help with eczema. 

Safety Precautions and Considerations

Eczema is a skin condition that can lead to skin dryness, itchiness, redness, and irritation. Essential oil can be used as a natural remedy to treat eczema in the comfort of your home. Essential oils help treat itching associated with eczema. But there are certain safety precautions that need to be considered before starting to use essential oils on eczema patches. 

• Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin, as essential oils are highly concentrated. Mix 5-6 drops of essential oils per ounce of carrier oil. Virgin coconut oil can be used as a carrier oil for eczema relief. Coconut oil is rich in moisturizing property that is great for dry skin conditions, including eczema. 
• Perform a patch test on a small area of the skin to check for any adverse reactions.
• Avoid using essential oils on broken or open skin.
• Consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant.
• Discontinue use if any irritation or discomfort occurs.
• Store essential oils in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.

Conclusion 

Today, people are relying on solutions that are natural and essential oils are one of the most famous natural remedies for skin trouble. In this article, a comprehensive guide has been provided related to essential oils to help eczema. Essential oils have properties that help in healing the skin. Essential oil is also rich in natural sources that promote overall health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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