In a world that equates beauty with clear skin and rosy cheeks, eczema can feel like a burden every day of your life. Like many other skin conditions, it can really affect one’s self-esteem and cause an inferiority complex when in the presence of others.
But over the years many treatments for eczema have emerged, including essential oil treatments, which have made it a very manageable condition.
Contents
- Top 5 essential oils for eczema
- What is eczema?
- What are some home remedies for eczema?
- Best treatment for eczema using essential oils
- Essential oils for eczema treatment
- Best essential oil for eczema - top 5 reviews
- Essential oil blends for eczema – suggested recipes
- Conclusion
Top 5 essential oils for eczema
Majestic Pure Tea Tree Oil
German Chamomile Oil by Healing Solutions
NOW Jojoba Oil
Turmeric 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden
Majestic Pure Lavender Oil
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy patches of skin on the cheeks, chin and chest in babies and similar patches behind your knees, on your neck or inner elbows.
The name eczema encompasses at least 8 types of skin conditions including:
- Contact dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Stasis dermatitis
- Hand eczema
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Nummular eczema
- Lichen simplex chronicus
Do not let these scientific names fool you into being afraid of the condition, it is controllable. Neither should you feel alone in your battle with it.
Statistics on eczema say that at least 31.6 million Americans live with the condition in one form or another and there are almost 18 million people in the States living with atopic eczema.
The Greek connection
The word eczema is Greek and it means “to bubble or boil over”, in the literal sense. The little red patches will seem to spill over to other parts of your body during flare-ups although they are sometimes very localized to one place.
Nature has taken the battle to eczema’s doorstep by providing some of the best essential oils to treat it. Studies show successful cases of infected eczema treated with essential oils.
What are some home remedies for eczema?
Even without using essential oils you can manage your eczema with several homemade remedies including:
Dietary remedies
- Eat turmeric
- Eat fish oil
- Eat flaxseed
- Eat bone broth
Topical remedies
- Apply apple cider vinegar
- Apply vegetable oil
- Apply olive oil
- Apply baking soda
- Apply aloe vera
- Apply coconut oil
Best treatment for eczema using essential oils
Depending on the symptoms you experience with eczema you can use various essential oils to combat those symptoms and fight flare-ups.
Oils for eczema itching
Mix eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender in jojoba oil and apply topically. You can also place the mix in a spray pump and spray it on the affected area periodically.
Oils for eczema around eyes and on eyelids
- Roman chamomile
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Frankincense
- Coconut oil, avocado oil or shea butter
Mix the oils in the carrier oil (coconut oil) and let the mixture rest for a few 15-20 minutes so the oils gel together nicely. We recommend using a thick carrier oil like coconut oil to facilitate easy application.
Apply the mixture before you sleep to allow it to work undisturbed throughout the night.
Oils for children’s eczema
- Tea tree
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Myrhh
- Coconut oil
Mix the oils together until the consistency is light and airy. Apply in small doses 2-3 times a day on the affected areas.
Make sure it is stored in an airtight jar away from the sun.
Essential oils for eczema treatment
1. Geranium oil
Geranium has potent anti-inflammatory properties that are necessary when combating eczema. It will prevent infection on any broken skin and reduce the urge to itch the affected area.
Using geranium oil will soothe the area allowing it to naturally heal. Use it with a carrier oil in order for dilute its potency and eliminate any irritation to your skin.
2. Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil not only combats inflammation in eczema cases, it also allows the skin to heal with suppleness effectively reducing the dryness of the skin. Its woody smell is great for people with sensitive noses and who prefer something lightweight as opposed to a medicinal scent.
It is very hydrating and it improves the texture of your skin after healing largely alleviating the scaring that accompanies the healing process.
3. German chamomile
Chamomile has extraordinary soothing qualities that are important in combating inflammation from eczema. The condition makes the skin dry and constant itching will cause the affected area to swell, but chamomile oil will reduce the itchiness and irritation experienced.
Chamomile is actually nature’s equivalent of hydrocortisone cream, the cream prescribed by doctors to combat itchiness and inflammation caused by eczema. But unlike hydrocortisone, it also helps with healing of the tissues around the affected patch and prevents further itching.
4. Sandalwood oil
Sandalwood oil is very moisturizing and soothing to the skin. Place it in a balm with a luxurious carrier oil like coconut oil and slather it on to combat the itching and inflammation.
It is a pain reliever and muscle relaxant. Symptoms of eczema can make you tense as you try to exist with the discomfort they bring.
5. Turmeric oil
Turmeric oil is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that has antibacterial properties. The compound that gives turmeric its yellow color, curcumin, is the major reason why the oil can inhibit inflammation.
It is also a powerful antioxidant which will help the skin heal faster especially the weeping blisters. It can help soothe itchiness and reduce the inflammation that makes your skin prone to infection.
6. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a commonly used in combating eczema and its symptoms. It will regenerate the tissues around the broken skin, reducing the constant need to itch and its antiseptic properties prevent infections from occurring in severe cases of eczema.
Tea tree also helps reduce inflammation significantly giving the affected patch the chance to breathe without being itched insistently.
7. Lavender oil
Lavender oil is world renowned for its anti-inflammatory qualities. It will soothe the skin and relieve the pain that accompanies the constant itchiness. In cases where the skin actually breaks the lavender helps the healing process along as long as you do not use it in its pure form.
Unadulterated lavender oil can irritate the skin further exacerbating the condition.
8. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the most favored carrier oils for eczema treatment. It is great base oil for essential oils to travel, because it spread and applies easily.
Coconut oil is recommended because it is rich, nourishing and highly moisturizing to dry eczema-afflicted skin. It also has antibacterial qualities.
9. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a natural antiseptic that will aid in eczema infection preventing it from getting worse and facilitating the healing process. It is inflammatory in nature making it ideal for reducing the redness, itchiness and swelling of the affected areas.
It is deeply moisturizing and nourishing quickly hydrating the affected area. It is also very easily absorbed into the skin.
10. Cedarwood oil
Cedarwood oil is extremely potent and works as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as being anti-bacterial. It has a potent smell that belies its powerful infection-fighting components.
It is best when used in a blend because it can be very irritating to the skin when applied in its unadulterated form.
Best essential oil for eczema - top 5 reviews
Majestic Pure Tea Tree Oil
German Chamomile Oil by Healing Solutions
NOW Jojoba Oil
Turmeric 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden
Majestic Pure Lavender Oil
Majestic Pure Tea Tree Oil
Product dimensions: 5.8 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
Weight: 4 Ounces
Effectiveness score: 10/10
Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and this product has harnessed it in its naturally occurring form. It is the perfect partner when eczema flares up and you have weeping, broken skin. It will fight infections while at the same time inhibiting inflammation of the affected skin.
It is also ideal smooth supple skin, even for persons who may have easily irritable skin.
The product mimics the oil that is naturally produced by your skin. As such, the skin tends to welcome it and accept its natural nourishing ingredients.
How to use it?
As Massage Oil: Place it in a carrier oil and use it as a massage oil. Apply it to your chest and neck gently massaging into your skin until it dissipates. Do this before you sleep so that you can keep inhaling the components throughout your sleep.
In a spray bottle: Place 4-5 drops in the bottle and dilute with water. Spray the mixture on the affected place periodically and let it air dry. This is an effective way to use the oil without involving other oils.
- It is therapeutic grade
- It is made from 100% natural ingredients
- It is great for healing the affected area
- It has a glass dropper for ease of use
- It has an overpowering medicinal smell
- It should not be used without diluting it
Is it a good buy?
This is definitely a great buy if you are looking for a product that will heal and combat the symptoms of eczema.
All the great qualities of tea tree oil including being anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and stimulating the immune system are all harnessed in this product.
German Chamomile Oil by Healing Solutions
Product dimensions: 5.8 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
Weight: 0.8 ounces
Effectiveness score: 10/10
German chamomile smells a bit different from the Roman chamomile so you can expect a more potent chamomile smell.
This product is great for healing the skin and infuses nourishment and hydration to the affected patch.
Your skin will be supple after the application as it heals naturally.
How to use it?
As massage oil: Add it to a few other oils and mix it with coconut oil. Using other oils will camouflage its scent allowing you to enjoy the oil better.
Apply topically: You can use it without blending it with other oils if you do not mind the scent. However, it is important to not use it neat but dilute it.
- It is therapeutic grade
- It has a dropper
- It is mild and soothing on the skin
- It is a sedative
- It has a potent smell
Is It a good buy?
This product is best used in a blend of lavender and sweet marjoram among other milder, sweeter scented oils because it has a very heavy chamomile smell.
It has relaxing qualities which help your body to relax and naturally recover as you sleep.
NOW Jojoba Oil
Product Dimension: 6 x 5 x 4 inches
Weight: 4.5 ounces
Effectiveness score: 9/10
Organic jojoba oil is great for the skin because it closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum.
It brings a balance to skin affected by eczema especially considering how dry and itchy the area becomes.
The beauty of jojoba is that it is ideal for all skin types even sensitive skin.
How to use it?
As massage oil: Jojoba is a carrier oil so when mixed with essential oils it integrates very well with them. Place drops of the essential oils into the jojoba oil and mix thoroughly. Massage the mixture into the skin gently.
Apply topically: You can also use it without blending it with other oils and it has a mild scent. It is, however, important to not use it neat but dilute it to avoid any possible irritation to the affected area.
- It is therapeutic grade
- It is hydrating and nourishing
- It is made of all natural ingredients
- It is generally non-irritating
- It does not go rancid
- It is an expensive option
Is It a good buy?
This product is best that jojoba has to offer and is universally versatile being used with all essential oil and even with other carrier oils. It moisturizes the skin and reduces the urge to itch.
You can use it on the affected areas even when you do not have a flare-up.
Turmeric 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden
Product dimensions: 3.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 4.5 ounces
Effectiveness score: 9/10
Turmeric is native to India and the oil is widely used in managing the symptoms of eczema.
It helps to reduce the redness, swelling and general irritation of eczema because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The antibacterial properties fight infections on the affected spot and relieve the rash on the spot.
How to use it?
Apply topically: Turmeric oil can be applied to the affected area using a clean cloth. Dab the oil gently on the affected area after cleaning it off properly with clean water.
In a spray bottle: Place the diluted oil in a spray bottle and pump it out twice on the affected area. Let it air dry undisturbed and repeat the process 3-4 times in the day.
- It is therapeutic grade
- The scent dissipates quickly
- It is made of all natural ingredients
- It has low staining compared to other turmeric oil products
- It has a strong scent
- It must not be used unadulterated
Is It a good buy?
This product is great for pain relief and alleviates the discomfort of inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory qualities help to reduce the urge to itch.
It needs to be stored in a dark bottle, in a dark place.
It is highly recommended when you feel a flare up coming on as it will nip it in the bud preventing it from becoming severe.
Majestic Pure Lavender Oil
Product dimensions: 3.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 4.5 ounces
Effectiveness score: 9/10
Lavender is such a soft, mild and healing oil that while it works on your eczema you will end up falling in love with its sweet qualities.
How to use it?
Apply topically: You can apply it directly to the affected area after diluting it. Dab a few drops on the affected area and let it air dry
Massage oil: Drop it into a carrier oil and mix it in. It can be alone or as a combination of other helpful oils like chamomile, rosemary and eucalyptus. Apply it generously on the affected areas and let it get absorbed.
- It is therapeutic grade
- It relaxes the muscles
- It has all natural ingredients
- It reduces stress which can cause eczema flare-ups
- It must not be used unadulterated
Is It a good buy?
This product is great for relieving inflammation and healing the skin from any infections in the areas affected.
It heals the skin and promotes rejuvenation of the healthy supple tissue after recovery.
Essential oil blends for eczema – suggested recipes
Blend 1
Add 5-10 drops of lavender, 5 drops of chamomile and 5 drops of sweet marjoram essentials oil to a cup of water. Shake thoroughly to mix and pour into a spray bottle.
Always shake well before spraying on as the water and oils don’t mix.
Blend 2
If you suffer from eczema all over your body then you can use a blend of oils in a bath. Use 10-15 drops of chamomile, lavender and geranium in jojoba oil and mix the oils thoroughly.
Place the mixture in a bath filled with warm water and soak in for at least 30 minutes.
Blend 3
Make a blend of chamomile, helichrysum, lavender and eucalyptus with cooled water. Use this mixture to cool inflamed area and to combat pain and discomfort.
Dip a clean piece of cloth into the mixture and let it soak. Squeeze out the excess and place it over the affected area repeatedly letting it lay undisturbed on the spot for at least 2-3 minutes.
Conclusion
Eczema is not to be trivialized because it is an uncomfortable condition to live with, to say the least. But neither is it to be feared because now you can reign over it and control it.
No longer do you have to rely on chemicals to do so either. Nature’s offerings are impeccably capable of changing how eczema affects you.
Image credits: Pixabay.com and Amazon.com
