Did you know that approximately 30 million Americans are affected with eczema?
Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions and perhaps one of the most uncomfortable too.
It may not be quite painful but the frustrating rash, redness, itching, dryness, and flaking of the skin that it brings along easily get on the nerves of the affected.
From time immemorial, people have been looking for a cure for this skin condition but they don’t seem to have found any yet.
However, several natural remedies have been known to control the symptoms and ease the discomfort associated with eczema.
That being said, eczema often causes the affected individual to scratch their skin.
Persistent scratching ultimately damages the skin and can even result in skin infection.
This is why it’s crucial to manage the condition to prevent serious complications.
One of the best natural treatment options of all time is eczema essential oils.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts of natural oils distilled from the roots, leaves, stems, or flowers of various plants.
These oils are known for high medicinal values and have earned people’s trust in reducing the pain and discomfort related to itching, irritation, and inflammation caused by eczema.
Below is a list of commonly used eczema essential oils that people use to ease the symptoms and naturally soothe their skin.
1. Lavender Essential Oil
The health and wellness benefits of lavender essential oil for the mind and body are no secret.
Packed with antiseptic and soothing agents, it is also the go-to oil for eczema to treat the symptoms from inside out.
Lavender oil also contains a complex mixture of phytochemicals, which stimulates the emotional part of the brain to reduce stress and anxiety.
This oil also aids in sleep, making it easy for people with eczema to sleep peacefully despite the itch and pain.
2. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oil has a soothing effect on the skin as well as the senses.
While both types of chamomile oil, German and Roman, are great for controlling eczema, Roman chamomile oil works wonders on children’s irritated skin.
German chamomile oil contains an anti-inflammatory compound called chamazulene, which reduces dryness and irritation of the skin, prevents infection, and supports the regeneration of damaged tissues.
It also has powerful antifungal and antiseptic properties that help relieve sore muscles, arthritis pain, and migraine.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
From reducing swelling, irritation, and redness to preventing inflammation and warding off infections, tea tree oil does a good job of controlling eczema.
This essential oil is derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia foliage and is packed with more than 100 terpenes.
Terpinene-4-ol and alpha-terpineol, in particular, are the most effective against pathogens.
Apart from relieving the symptoms of eczema, tea tree oil is an excellent air purifier that prevents allergens from worsening the itch and irritation of the skin.
Please note that tea tree oil is quite strong and poses a risk of skin irritation in some people. It’s better to mix it with a carrier oil to dilute it before applying to your skin.
4. Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil is widely known for its soothing, moisturizing, anti-itching, and anti-inflammatory effects.
A study revealed that sandalwood oil can have painkiller-like effects without causing any side effects. This makes it a great remedy for painful sores.
While this essential oil is believed to soothe itchy, dry, and irritated skin, we’d suggest you do a patch test before using it on the entire affected surface of your skin.
5. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil is derived from a plant that’s commonly found in our gardens.
This natural oil has excellent antiseptic, deodorant, astringent, and hemostatic properties that help in eczema treatment.
It has a sweet smell and is known for soothing dry, patchy skin as well as effectively balancing sebum secretion.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the best eczema essential oils. You must know about its amazing benefits when used in cooking or for topical application.
This natural oil contains antimicrobial agents, which reduce your chances of developing a skin infection.
It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce dryness and cracks in the skin caused due to inflammation.
A 2013 study confirmed that application of virgin coconut oil on the skin of 117 children with eczema for eight weeks significantly improved their skin.
Disclaimer: Some people may be allergic to coconut oil. Make sure that you consult with a dermatologist before applying coconut oil to your skin.
7. Helichrysum Essential Oil
This essential oil has amazing skin healing properties. It also promotes new cell generation to help reduce eczema scars.
The active ingredient in this oil is called arzanol, which is anti-inflammatory in nature. Thanks to this, helichrysum oil speeds up the skin healing process.
This natural oil is also known for its ability to lock natural moisture. This phenomenon prevents dehydration and cracking of the skin and hence, relieves irritation.
Although this essential oil is a bit expensive, its powerful healing abilities make it all worth it!
8. Thyme Essential Oil
This is one of the best eczema essential oils. It’s a boon for people who struggle with pain, redness, inflammation, and swelling resulting from the skin condition.
Thyme oil is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory powerhouse packed with compounds that reduce and prevent inflammation.
A study conducted in 2012 found that 3% thyme essential oil was capable of healing and treating eczema-like lesions.
Additionally, thyme oil contains carvacrol, an organic compound that relieves pain and swelling and treats infections and inflammation naturally.
This compound also targets COX-2, a key mediator in the inflammatory pathways of the body. For best results, you should consider diluting this essential oil by mixing it with a carrier oil.
The Bottom Line
Using eczema essential oils is a natural way of controlling the distressing skin condition.
The oils listed above have amazing anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties to calm and soothe your skin.
It is, however, important that you consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before applying any oil to your skin for maximum safety and optimal results.
Also, don’t forget to dilute the oils with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation.
This account is run by a team of writers, researches, and more who simply love contributing to the site.