Was The Cure Worse Than The Disease Allergic Contact Dermatitis From Tea Tree Oil
Amber Stonehouse, MD
The sudden appearance of a pruritic confluent erythematous rash on the anterior neck and upper back prompted a 30-year-old woman to seek medical attention. She had recently started applying 5% tea tree oil to the area to treat chronic, recurrent tinea versicolor. An herbal specialist had recommended this therapy.
Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in about 5% of those who use tea tree oil.1-3 The cutane- ous reactions range from a mild contact dermatitis to a severe blistering rash. Patients with a history of allergy to benzoin should not use tea tree oil because of cross-reactions.2 There is one report of severe subepidermal blistering in a patient with linear IgA disease who had contact with tea tree oil.2
Tea tree oil has gained popularity as a topical antibiotic and antifungal agent. Thus, physicians need to be aware of the potential allergic reactions to tea tree oil and advise patients to discontinue use at the first signs of sensitivity.
This patient was told to apply hydrocortisone 1% cream to reduce the inflammation and pruritus and use cool compresses as needed. The rash completely resolved within a week after the tea tree oil was discontinued.
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe To Use For Babies Or Young Children
To date, there isnt any research on the safety or efficacy of using tea tree oil to treat infant eczema. Its best to talk with your childs doctor or pediatrician before use.
If you do use it, it should never be on an infant younger than 6 months. You should also dilute the oil at twice the usual rate, mixing 12 drops of carrier oil for every 1 drop of tea tree oil. Never apply the blend near the infants mouth or hands, where they might ingest it.
Also, boys who havent gone through puberty yet shouldnt use tea tree oil. Some research has linked tea tree oil to prepubertal gynecomastia. This rare condition can result in enlarged breast tissue.
Chamomile To Soothe Dermatitis
Chamomile is another well-known soothing essential oil that you can use to soothe the effects of dry skin and swelling caused by eczema. Home remedies containing chamomile oil also help to get rid of itchiness and irritation associated with eczema. Chamomile essential oil is also one of the best essential oils for skincare.
A study published 1998 found that chamomile was just as effective as hydrocortisone cream and can help to improve the symptoms of contact dermatitis. Hydrocortisone creams are commonly prescribed to reduce itching and redness associated with eczema. Added to that, chamomile oil also helps wounds to heal faster and inhibits inflammation.5
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Neem Soap Benefits For Skin
- Soothes backaches and relieves stress and tension from the muscles
- It is a non-toxic and chemically unaltered product
- Lathers well and leaves the skin moisturized
- Acts as an anti-bacteria clearing up skin rashes, eczema and ache
- It is smooth, soft and gentle without leaving a residue or sticky film
- Usually is wrapped in white paper making it feel like a spa soap.
7. Treat Dandruff:
The antibacterial properties in neem help to treat dandruff, dry scalp and hair fall issues. Add a cup of fresh neem leaves to boiling water, mix well and use this neem water to rinse your hair after shampooing.
8. Treat viral infections:
Neem leaf can be taken orally on a regular basis. This helps relieve the symptoms of viral infections including the common cold, influenza, herpes, and chicken pox.
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Frankincense Essential Oil For Eczema
You can use frankincense oil for treating chronic skin patches of eczema because it contains properties that reduce inflammation and help treat infected skin sores.
The Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine reported that frankincense oil is used to reduce skin irritation and redness. Frankincense oil can also help to improve skin tone and has a steroid-like effect to help repair damaged skin.11
Frankincense essential oil is also one of the best essential oils for allergies.
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Witch Hazel And Tea Tree Oil For Eczema:
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of Shea butter
- 20 drops of tea tree oil
- 2 teaspoons of witch hazel
- A plastic container
- Pour the butter in a bowl
- Using a hand blender blend the butter till it is soft and creamy
- Add the tea tree oil and the witch hazel
- Blend again so that the three ingredients mix evenly
- Clean the affected area
- Gently massage the cream on the eczema
- Let it rest for at least 10 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
- Apply this mix at least 3 times daily
Benefit: Witch hazel has high concentration of tannins that heals the skin easily.
These are some methods of curing your eczema using tea tree oil. You can try any of the methods. In case the problem persists then consult the doctor at once. Maintain a healthy diet as it is very important to heal the body from within as well.
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The Tea Tree Oil Fights Off Viruses
The tea tree oil has antiviral properties, which make it a useful solution for viral infections. When a person is suffering from eczema, their skin is prone to a wide range of infectious agents. Often, dermatitis causes breakage of the skin. Sometimes, the blisters and weeping sores provide quick points of infection.
The antiviral ability of the tea tree oil comes in handy in killing any viruses that may infect the itchy patches in the skin. Considering that viruses cause a wide range of ailments depending on the type of virus, the antiviral characteristics of the tea tree oil shield the patients from suffering from the possible viral infections.
The tea tree applications have preventive and curative effects. In a person who suffers from eczema but has no viral infections yet, the oil prevents potential infections. Where the viral infections are already in the skin, the tea tree oil fights the viral agents and neutralizes them.
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Allergic Contact Dermatitis From Tea Tree Oil
The sudden appearance of a pruritic confluent erythematous rash on the anterior neck and upper back prompted a 30-year-old woman to seek medical attention. She had recently started applying 5% tea tree oil to the area to treat chronic, recurrent tinea versicolor. An herbal specialist had recommended this therapy.
The sudden appearance of a pruritic confluent erythematous rash on the anterior neck and upper back prompted a 30-year-old woman to seek medical attention. She had recently started applying 5% tea tree oil to the area to treat chronic, recurrent tinea versicolor. An herbal specialist had recommended this therapy.
Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in about 5% of those who use tea tree oil.1-3 The cutaneous reactions range from a mild contact dermatitis to a severe blistering rash. Patients with a history of allergy to benzoin should not use tea tree oil because of cross- reactions.2 There is one report of severe subepidermal blistering in a patient with linear IgA disease who had contact with tea tree oil.2
Tea tree oil has gained popularity as a topical antibiotic and antifungal agent. Thus, physicians need to be aware of the potential allergic reactions to tea tree oil and advise patients to discontinue use at the first signs of sensitivity.
What Are The Clinical Features Of Allergic Contact Dermatitis To Essential Oils
The most common symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis are skin itching, redness, and scaling . These symptoms usually occur at the site of contact with the essential oil but can extend outside of this area.
In aromatherapists, the hands and forearms are most commonly affected with possible involvement of the face, neck, and legs . Spread to other areas has also been reported . Symptoms usually improve with time spent away from work.
People who have been exposed to airborne essential oils can also have widespread involvement .
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Coconut Essential Oil For Eczema
Coconut oil is a natural remedy that is loaded with healing properties. It is so far one of the best essential oils for treating eczema. Unlike a tropical cream that takes away the pain temporarily, coconut oil soothes acute redness and keeps infection at bay.
- Eczema sufferers always have to deal with dry skin. Coconut oil is great in moisturizing the skin keeping it soft. It does not only prevent skin breakups but also improves the feel of rough and flaky skin. This oil has been tried and tested clinically to reduce eczema symptoms.
- Coconut oil is made up of fatty acids that are absorbed into the skin layers easily. Coconut oil nourishes the skin, making it elastic and supple.
- Coconut oil fights off the harmful bacteria. Many studies have proved its beneficial effect on human health. Coconut oil is among the most natural and best essential oils for eczema.
- Coconut oil has an anti-inflammatory property that is a must for eczema relief. Eczema sufferers develop skin inflammation due to numerous reasons timely application of coconut oil can arrest these culprits.
- This colorless pleasant oil is extracted from the immensely edible dried kernel. This oil enjoys an excellent safety profile making it one of the best baby massage oils.
- Coconut oil is cost effective and offers miraculous health benefits.
Apply a small amount of coconut oil to quickly eliminate symptoms of eczema.
Is Epsom Salts Good For Eczema
In addition to helping to calm eczema, its also great for soothing dry, itchy skin, and can even help with more severe irritation like hives, poison ivy, and sunburns. Due to the anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects of magnesium, epsom salts can help reduce breakouts and combat inflammation on the skin.
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Other Essential Oil Home Remedies For Eczema
There are other ways that you can use essential oils in home treatments for getting rid of eczema. Here are some of the best ways to help soothe eczema symptoms and reduce the urge to scratch. The medicinal properties of the essential oils for eczema will also help to calm inflammation and stop skin infections.
Why Eczema And Essential Oils Are A Poor Mix
There are several reasons people with eczema should skip essential oils:
- Ingredients may vary. Theyâre usually made through a steam distillation process that uses heat and chemicals to extract their scent and other properties. The result is a highly concentrated liquid mix of chemicals that can include terpenes, aldehydes, alcohols, esters, ethers, ketones, and more.
- Theyâre unregulated. In addition, the FDA places most of these products in the same category as cosmetics, which means they donât regulate quality or advertising claims. Thereâs no way to tell, for example, if the oils you buy were made from plants treated with pesticides or contain only the ingredients listed on the label.
- They raise your risk of skin irritation. Your skin is even more likely to react when you have eczema. Thatâs because the inflammation it causes disturbs and can leave tiny breaks in your skin barrier. This makes it easier for your skin to absorb the irritants and allergens in essential oils.
If you have eczema you shouldnât use essential oils in any form. They can cause skin reactions even when you mix small amounts with a milder oil, add a few drops to your bath water, or use products that list them as ingredients.
You should also avoid diffusers that release their scent — and other compounds — into the air you breathe. The airborne particles can cause skin reactions and other symptoms in people who are sensitive to them.
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Are Essential Oils Helpful In Treating Eczema
Eczema is an umbrella term for a family of skin conditions that cause inflammation. More commonly known as atopic dermatitis, this condition can be lifelong, and there is no known cure. Fortunately, there are some over-the-counter and prescription options available for the treatment of eczema.
To learn more about the different types of eczema and their treatments, click here.
Healthcare providers make decisions about the medicines you take based on something called a clinical trial. For a medication to be approved by the FDA, these trials must be completed with many patients who are closely monitored for benefits and side effects. The gold standard for a clinical trial is known as a randomized controlled trial or RCT. Unfortunately, there are no large-scale RCTs for essential oils in eczema. But lets briefly discuss the studies that are out there.
A trial published in 2014 in the International Journal of Dermatology studied the effects of coconut oil in kids with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. While this study only had 117 participants, those participants reported better symptom relief from coconut oil over mineral oil . Scientists have shown that coconut oil may have anti-inflammatory properties and may even enhance the skins outer barrier .
Tea Tree Oil For Eczema
As one of the best essential oils for eczema, tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components to target free radicals.
According to a study published in Herbal Treatments for Dermatologic Disorders, the oil works against Staphylococcus aureus and other bacterial strains.
The British Journal of Dermatology published a study where a group was tested with the use of tea tree oil to treat inflamed skin caused by histamine . The study found the use of tea tree oil alleviated the inflamed, red, and swollen skin of eczema.
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Is Epsom Salt Okay For Eczema
In addition to helping to calm eczema, its also great for soothing dry, itchy skin, and can even help with more severe irritation like hives, poison ivy, and sunburns. Due to the anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects of magnesium, epsom salts can help reduce breakouts and combat inflammation on the skin.
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Radiant Vitamin C Body Lotion
Dr Tealâs body lotion is formulated with moisturizing ingredients plus beneficial essential oils to nourish and renew skin. This restorative blend will soothe away stress and help restore your skinâs natural balance. Vitamin C helps promote glowing, youthful skin, while Citrus essential oils help uplift your mood.
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How To Use Essential Oils To Treat Eczema
The most common way to use essential oils for eczema is to make them into a cream or dilute them with a carrier oil before applying topically.
When using essential oils, its important to dilute them, as they can be quite potent and strong and can cause burns, irritation, and allergic reactions when applied directly to the skin.
Add just a few drops of the essential oil to a carrier oil, like coconut or sunflower oil, and mix the solution before applying to the affected area as a topical eczema treatment.
Not only is this much safer, but it also helps to ensure your body gets the benefits of the essential oil, as the carrier oil helps your body absorb the essential oil.
You could also try adding a few drops of essential oil to bath water be sure to use water thats warm, rather than hot, so as not to irritate the skin further.
Its always best to consult a doctor before using essential oils for your eczema, especially if you are using other prescription topical or oral solutions or have any allergies or sensitivities.
The 6 Best Essential Oils For Eczema
While there is no cure for eczema, or atopic dermatitis, there are things that you can do at home to potentially help with some of the symptoms. The best essential oils for eczema âmay improve hydration moisturize, soothe, and calm the skin and reduce inflammation and itching,â Alina G. Bridges, DO and dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic, told Bustle in an interview.
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Carrier Oil Mixed With Tea Tree Oil
The most popular and most widely used method is a simple mixture of carrier oil and tea tree oil.
Instructions:
If you find that your skin is overly greasy, you can use a gentle cleanser to remove the excess oil. However, cleansing after this method can take away from its effectiveness .
If you choose not to cleanse your skin and its your first time using oil on the skin, it will likely take time to adjust to the excess oil. As the skin adapt, you will find that things get easier .
Most popular carrier oils are coconut oil, sesame seed oil, or extra virgin coconut oil.
The most popular carrier oil for seborrheic dermatitis is coconut oil, however, perhaps a pure mineral oil may make more sense from a technical point of view .
Start slow and see how your skin responds
If you plan on using this method, it is advised to start slow. Try a lower concentration of tea tree oil on a very small area of skin.
For example, you can start with a ratio of 95 parts carrier oil to 5 parts tea tree oil and apply this solution behind your ear . This can help you gauge how your skin reacts and help decide if this method is right for you.