Eczema collectively identifies about 8 types of skin complications with almost similar symptoms. While it is neither contagious nor fatal, it can be intolerably itchy and quite embarrassing.
Topical corticosteroids, moisturizers and antihistamines are the common medical treatments prescribed for the condition. Mild ones are available over the counter while stronger ones only come with a prescription. Contact with allergens and irritants triggers flares, especially for eczema on hands.
Luckily, home remedies can be used for long-term management of eczema. Treatment can take more than 3 months for the eczema to clear completely. Since medications to treat eczema come with a number of side effects, home remedies such as Essential Oils can greatly help.
11 essential oils good for eczema
What are the best Essential oils for eczema treatment?
Chamomile
It is both sweet and sedative. The oil has also proved very effective in regards to reducing inflammation. Rather than using topical medications that may end up flawing the skin, this home remedy can be used for long-term maintenance. It can in fact be used for eczema on eyes.
Tea tree oil
The two main benefits that make tea tree oil suitable for eczema are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Study reports indicate that it works by inhibiting histamine, a body chemical produced during allergic reactions. Tea tree oil can replace antibiotics for dyshidrotic eczema treatment.
Thyme
Thyme oil relieves both inflammation and pain. It also keeps eczema infections from getting contaminated. It is in fact one of the most recommended essential oils for eczema.
Fennel
You will in most cases be advised not to use fragrance moisturizers and cosmetics when fighting eczema. Fennel oil comes with its own natural fragrance which will not irritate affected skin. It is also an effective anti-inflammatory.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has been found to be a pain reliever. It inhibits the body chemical responsible for inflammations and pain. For best results, this oil can be used together with another essential oil such as lavender or tea tree oil.
Lavender
Lavender oil soothes the skin, relieving both itchiness and inflammation. It works by soothing the affected skin, a property that sees it used for many skin conditions. On top of that, it comes with a nice fragrance. This oil can be used for eczema symptoms on legs associated with varicose veins.
Clove
Clove oil is commonly used in dentistry as a pain reliever and to prevent from swelling. It can also keep bacteria from accumulating and leading to eczema infection.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil is a great moisturizer. It has also been found to have stress relieving capabilities. Eczema tends to worsen in times of stress and anxiety.
Frankincense
For people with chronic eczema, frankincense oil is the best home remedy to try. It for one reduces skin thickening and also help in recovery of flawed skin. Chronic eczema leads to darkening of the affected skin. This oil can improve on this effect.
Bergamot
Infected eczema can be treated effectively with this essential oil. It starts with treating inflamed skin and proceeds with killing off microbial that are infecting the eczema rash.
Basil
Basil oil is one of the best essential oils you can use to get rid of redness on skin caused by eczema. It can also ease pain as well as treat inflamed skin regions.
Eczema treatment with best essential oils
One of the best things about essential oils for eczema use is that they can be readily accessed and are simple to use. On top of that, they can be used not only for eczema but many other skin conditions.
In most cases, two or three drops of an essential oil of choice will do. It will be best if you can access the pure form of the essential oil. Since some of them may prove too strong for use on flawed skin, carrier oils are added for dilution.
When using not more than 3 drops of an essential oil, dilute the same with 1 tablespoon of the carrier oil you have chosen. Ensure to stir the mixture well before use.
Application is usually very simple. All it needs is that the mixture be applied directly to the affected areas. This can be done with a cotton ball or a clean piece of cloth. When applying, smoothly massage the affected regions to ensure that every part is covered with the essential oil remedy.
Two or three applications on daily basis will do. Maintain a daily application routine until the eczema symptoms have subsided. Quit further use if irritation worsens.
Carrier oils to use with essential oils for eczema
As mentioned above, carrier oils are essential when using essential oils for eczema. Carrier oils work by reducing the chances of an essential oil worsening irritation. Below are several carrier oils that are commonly used;
Coconut oil
On its own, coconut oil is a great moisturizer. Virgin coconut oil is the best. Since it is edible, use for eczema around lips is considerable. It complements the benefits of all most all anti-eczema essential oils. Besides, some anti-microbial properties have been discovered in coconut oil.
Jojoba
Jojoba oil keeps eczema from becoming infected. It also reduces inflammations and can in fact prevent frequent flares.
Avocado oil
Avocado oil will not only help in getting rid of scaling eczema symptoms but also quicken the recovery process. It is loaded with minerals, vitamins and fatty acids, all which are essential for the development of healthier skin.
Olive oil
Olive oil can be applied on its own as a moisturizer. The best of it for eczema treatment however comes when it is used as carrier oil.
Almond oil
It is common to see moisturizing creams having almond as one of the ingredients. For one, it is sweet smelling and a great moisturizer. When used with essential oils, almond oil can help with recovery from flawed or darkened skin due to eczema.
How to use essential oils for eczema in children
Babies and children have very delicate skins. Even slightly sensitive home remedies can prove irritating to their skins.
For baby eczema, always dilute with carrier oil before application. At first, apply the remedy not more than twice in a day. You can first try the remedy on a healthy skin to check for possible irritations.
Another approach that can help when using essential oils for baby eczema [is use in baths. For example, you can add 3 drops of coconut oil, 2 drops of lavender oil and 2 drops of chamomile oil into a mixing container. Once ready, add the mixture to bath water. After bath, ensure to rinse appropriately with clean fresh water.
How to make essential oils cream for eczema treatment
Shea butter DIY cream made with essential oils for eczema can prove more effective than sole use of an essential oil.
To make the cream, melt shea butter and beeswax or honey in separate boilers- Mix the two and stir
- Add coconut oil and jojoba oil when the mixture is still hot
- Lavender oil can also be added but not always necessary
- Blend the mixture as it cools, till a thick cream is formed
- Let it cool, either on its own or refrigerated
- Transfer into an air tight container and refrigerate
The cream is best applied twice in a day. At first, use a small amount of the cream. You can try it first on a healthy skin before application. You can leave it overnight to wash off in the morning. A bandage can help restrain the cream when sleeping.
