Are you itchy? Your skin is red and swollen? Do you have small blisters or scabs? It is undoubtedly eczema. Aromatherapy is an interesting resource to calm the manifestations of eczema by working on both the lesions and the psycho-emotional sphere. Discover the natural power of essential oils for eczema relief. Learn how these oils soothe inflammation and promote healthy skin.
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema is a dermatological condition.
There are different types of eczema (see below). To fight eczema, it is, therefore, necessary to know what type of eczema you have in order to treat it properly.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ECZEMA
Eczema also comes in different forms. There are 7 types of eczema with different symptoms and triggers:
► The most common form of the disease is atopic eczema. This refers to an allergy. The immune system is weakened and the skin no longer acts as a natural barrier. Very often, eczema occurs in people whose allergic background is conducive to the development of skin manifestations (urticaria), respiratory (rhinitis or allergic asthma), and other symptoms…
► Contact dermatitis, which occurs when a person touches a substance that irritates the skin or causes an allergic reaction.
Example: detergents, bleach, glue, jewellery, latex, poisonous plants, some skin care products (including makeup and soap), perfumes or solvents and even tobacco smoke.
► Dyshidrotic eczema mainly affects the feet and hands and can be caused by allergies, frequently wet hands and feet, exposure to substances such as nickel, cobalt or chromium salt, or stress.
► Occupational eczema is triggered by exposure to chemicals.
People who work in jobs that expose them to irritants are more likely to get this form of eczema (e.g. hairdressers, surface technicians, etc.). In this case, the recommended treatment is the total avoidance of the offending product.
► Neurodermatitis usually results in an itchy feeling on different parts of the body, it starts with an itchy patch. Doctors are not sure what causes it, although stress may be a trigger. It is often associated with psoriasis.
► Nummular eczema can be triggered by a reaction to an insect bite or by an allergic reaction to metals or chemicals. A person is more likely to get this form if they already have another type of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis.
► Stasis dermatitis occurs in the skin of the calves caused by people who have problems with blood circulation and water retention. They can then swell and varicose veins can form.
SYMPTOMS OF ECZEMA
Each type of eczema has its own causes and symptoms, but the most common are:
- Dry and scaly skin;
- rashes;
- itchiness, sometimes intense.
Other symptoms may appear depending on the type of eczema such as bumps, blisters, oozing, thickening of the skin, blisters, cracks, bleeding, round coin-shaped spots (nummular eczema) or heavy and swollen legs, varicose veins and sores on the legs (stasis dermatitis).
Atopic eczema is characterized by dry skin, redness and severe itching. Small blisters may also appear on the folds, hands and mouth, and when they break, they ooze and form visible scabs. When not properly treated, eczema can cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, social isolation and even depression. It is therefore essential to manage it by combining a basic treatment with a more specific treatment to treat the inflammation in case of flare-ups.
These eczema symptoms are not contagious and come and go in flare-ups and can affect any part of the body.
Although eczema mainly affects babies and children, it can persist or develop in adults. It is then necessary to find out what the person or child is allergic to in their environment and to remove them from it.
THE TRIGGERS
A trigger does not cause eczema, but it can cause a rash or make it worse. The most common triggers are substances that irritate the skin.
Examples of what can irritate the skin:
Soaps and cleansers, Perfume, Makeup, Dust and sand, Chlorine, Wool, artificial fibres, Solvents, Irritants in the environment, Cigarette smoke
Skin rashes can also be triggered by certain pathologies that impact the immune system:
Cold or flu, Bacterial infection, Allergic reaction to something (mould, pollen or pet hair), Stress.
Actions and environments that make the skin dry or more sensitive can cause eczema flare-ups.
Prolonged exposure to water, Being too hot or too cold, Low humidity in winter, Not using a skin lubricant after a bath…
ECZEMA AND ESSENTIAL OILS: HERE IS WHAT TO DO!
In the fight against stress, massages or baths with essential oils are a pleasant and effective solution.
Of course, as with any skin application, one should avoid pouring the EOs directly on the skin. Although aromatherapy generally uses a carrier oil, in the case of eczema, it is important to choose it carefully. Some eczematous skins do not tolerate oils or greasy creams. The best solution is to use an oil with beneficial effects on the skin, such as evening primrose or borage oil. You can also add a few drops to the bath water or, depending on the location of the eczema, apply compresses.
Anti-inflammatory oils: roman or german chamomile, palmarosa, tea tree
> Tea tree EO, anti-inflammatory, healing, antiseptic
Massage with TEA TREE
- 1 teaspoon argan VO
- Add 2 drops of tea tree or german chamomile EO
Use this anti-eczema lotion to massage the affected areas twice a day.
Peppermint limits pruritus
Antiseptic and healing oils: geranium rosat or tea tree
> Spike lavender: an EO against dry or oozing eczema
It is especially known to treat most skin problems: Acne, psoriasis, bedsores, herpes, cracks, wounds, mycosis and of course eczema.
Apply 2 drops of spike lavender on eczema. Repeat the operation 2 to 3 times a day directly on the plaques.
A SYNERGY AGAINST CONTACT ECZEMA
In a bottle of 10 ml, mix 1 ml fine lavender EO, 1 ml roman chamomile EO and 1 ml palmarosa EO. Complete with argan VO. Apply on the vesicles 2 to 3 times per day.
EXPRESS SOLUTION
3 drops of roman chamomile in one tablespoon VO.
You can also add 3 drops of lavender EO to reinforce the soothing action. Also, give a try to geranium rosat or palmarosa EO.
Do not hesitate to test the EO which is most appropriate or to mix some in order to benefit from the synergy of the active ingredients of each because there are many forms of eczema. To come to the end of it, it is necessary to show patience and much perseverance.
> Lavender EO
In addition to intense itching, eczema usually causes anxiety, depression, frustration and lack of sleep.
To help you relax during tense or difficult periods you could resort to some essential oils, in particular to lavender EO or Ylang Ylang EO.
Add 10 drops to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or almond oil, and gently rub into the skin. The aroma can help facilitate sleep when itching is very painful.
> Other options: floral waters or hydrolates
Orange blossom water or chamomile hydrosol are antiseptic and soothing, which is beneficial for eczema-related itching.
For infants, use rose geranium or true lavender floral water twice a day for 3 weeks.
AN ANTI-ECZEMA BATH
For a soothing and anti-itching action, pour 3 cupfuls of rose geranium or true lavender floral water into the bath.
What to do about itching?
Eczema can lead to the need to scratch, but scratching causes the skin to become inflamed and the itching to get worse. Here are some tips:
- Use moisturizing creams or oils when not in crisis
- Sprinkle white clay to soothe itching and promote healing
The warnings
- Never apply pure EO to the skin. This is especially true in cases of eczema, where the skin is weakened. While aromatherapy offers an alternative, it should not be the only approach to eczema. This complex disease requires a prior medical consultation, as some fungal infections can be mistaken for eczema.
- If standard treatments are not enough, your general practitioner will refer you to a dermatologist. A research of the causes could be necessary. Certain eczema is in some cases a sign of other infections, which only the doctor will be able to diagnose.
Discover the power of holistic healing with our comprehensive booklet on eczema. Explore natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and self-care practices that address the root causes of eczema. This booklet is your guide to finding balance, soothing your skin, and embracing a holistic approach to managing eczema. Take control of your well-being and unlock the path to healthier, happier skin.
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Here is our booklet: Eczema, holistic approach
