Also referred to as dermatitis, eczema is a dry skin condition that affects the legs, cheeks, arms and the ears. Eczema is characterized by cracking, itchiness, skin redness, bleeding, flaking, and swelling of the affected areas. If you suffer from eczema, you are unable to synthesize fats and oils required to keep the skin hydrated and this opens the skin cells to infections. After moisture is lost from skin cells, irritants and bacteria can freely pass and cause symptoms of eczema.
Even though there are number of steroids creams that claim to reverse the condition, most are chemical concoctions that lead to more skin damage. Essential oils are both effective and safe for your skin, and can offer long-term solution. Try out these essential oils for their healing properties:
Lavender Oil
This oil has many properties that help accelerate the healing of eczema symptoms and reverse the scarring of the skin. Lavender essential oil has moisturizing, calming, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. The best part is that the oil is safe to use even when undiluted on small skin areas, and smells great too. To use the oil, apply 1 drop of undiluted oil on the scaly skin parts daily until the condition improves.
Frankincense Oil
This oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can sooth irritated skin, which is a common symptom of eczema. Frankincense essential oil is wonderful when blended with other oils as this actually increases its potency. Refer at the end of the article on how to combine frankincense with other essential oils.
Melrose Oil
This oil is a blend of naouli, clove, rosemary, and tree essential oils. The effective combination has ability to relieve inflammation and micro-organisms that cause eczema. The blend also helps trigger the regeneration of new skin cells and tissues and supports skin functions.
Chamomile Oil
Both German and Roman Chamomile essential oils are effective in relieving inflammation, a common symptom of eczema. The essential oil has the potential of healing itchy and dry skin patches of eczema infected skin.
Carrot Seed Oil
This oil is obtained from the rich seeds of carrot and has the ability to heal, and calm inflamed skin, add elasticity, and tones the skin tissue to restore its health. In so doing, carrot seed essential oil heals eczema and other related problems such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
Bergamot Oil
This essential oil purifies and cleanses the skin in addition to its ability to relieve inflamed skin. The oil is effective for use on a number of skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, and seborrhea that affect skin and scalp.
Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Oil
This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reverse the itchiness and heal inflamed skin in eczema patients. It has also has antiviral, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties that help kill irritants and bacteria that may enter the skin. Melaleuca oil can also stimulate your immune system in addition to healing eczema-related skin conditions. However, you may need to add 2-3 drops of other moisturizing oils as tea tree oil can dry the skin.
Cedarwood Oil
It’s basically steam-drilled from Atlas cedar leaves and sawdust and can make a good base for blends, masks and steams. The essential oil is recommended in case you suffer from inflamed skin that’s caused by eczema. Cedarwood heals eczema and also balances the production of sebum.
Geranium Oil
The best thing is that geranium can kill most skin germs, bacteria and other microorganisms that cause eczema. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can restore a dry and scaly skin to its normal glory. The best thing is that the essential oil suites all skin types and can also help balance production of sebum by the skin.
Mandarin Oil
The oil has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin disorders and balance moisture content on the skin. When applied onto the skin, mandarin boosts the flow of blood and lymph and boosts growth of new cells and tissues. Apply the oil to achieve a rejuvenated and calm skin.
Manuka Oil
In addition to relieving allergic conditions, Manuka essential oil can calm inflamed skin, relax, and heal eczema symptoms. The oil also boosts growth of new skin cells in addition to reducing scars and marks on the skin.
Orange Oil
Both the sweet and wild orange oils act as an effective tonic for skin. The oils rejuvenate and brighten both dry and oily skin types. After application of the oil, you’ll achieve a glowing, soft and well-toned skin that is free from bacterial and other infections.
Rosewood Oil
This oil helps boost circulation of blood and accelerates healing of wounds related to eczema inflammation. Rosewood also helps stimulate the body to synthesize enzymes and hormones in order to regulate bodily operations.
How to use Essential Oils for Eczema
There are many options of using essential oils to treat eczema. However, experts recommend blending and dilution of oils to increase potency and reduce side effects. Try using these recommended amounts for essential oils and carrier oils:
Note: Some of the essential oils mentioned below are not in the above description but they are still effective in treating eczema
- Combine 10 drops chamomile oil with 4 drops tea tree and 10 drops yarrow essential oils in a glass container. Add 8-12 drops of the mixture to warm water in a bathtub and soak for 15-30 minutes. Alternatively, put 5-7 drops of the blend onto a cloth and lather it onto your body after washing with a non-soap cleanser. Also, try fusing 32 drops of this blend with 2 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil and massage your entire body. Do the treatment 4-6 times daily for a period of around 8 days.
- Combine 8 drops each of thyme, lavender, patchouli, and geranium with 14 drops of chamomile in a dark glass container. To use, add 8-12 drops of the blend in a bathtub or alternatively lather your body with a cloth soaked in 5-7 drops of the blend.
- Combine 2 drops of geranium, 2 drops of Chamomile, and a drop of Elemi. Add this into warm water in a bathtub and soak for around 30-4o minutes.
- Add a drop of helichrysum to 2 drops of chamomile and a drop of lavender to 2 quarts of cool water in a glass bowl. Combine the water with essential oils, soak a cotton cloth in the solution and then apply it on eczema infected regions.
- Combine 1ml of each palmarosa and lavender essential oil together with 10ml of calophyllum that is diluted in 6 teaspoons of Rose Hip seed oil. Apply the combined oils on the affected skin for about 3-4 times daily until eczema improves.
