Can Essential Oils Help Treat Eczema?

Eczema comes with some painful and unpleasant symptoms. According to The National Eczema Association, the skin condition is characterized by dry, scaly skin, redness, and blisters. This can make wearing the clothes you want to wear a chore. The most common symptom that people with eczema experience is itchiness. While many people grow out of the skin condition, this doesn't solve the problem for those who are currently suffering from it and are stuck desperately searching for a way to combat its painful symptoms.

If your medication isn't giving you the relief you need, you might be thinking of turning to natural home remedies for your skin. An at-home treatment that more and more people are turning to is essential oils. Per Healthline, these oils are the secret weapon to a happier, more well-balanced you. They reduce anxiety, help you manage headaches, and are beneficial to maintaining a clear mind. 

While their ability to help through inhalation has been verified, there are some who believe they are also useful in treating skin conditions, including eczema.

There's no doubt that essential oils are great for your mental health. You can even relieve stress and promote relaxation using essential oil combinations. But that's not all these miraculous oils can do. According to Medical News Today, essential oils can make life with eczema a lot easier by relieving the symptoms.

To be clear, there's no scientific research that says essential oils can get rid of eczema completely. But essential oils, particularly those with anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial effects, can at least help to a certain degree. Using diluted essential oils on your affected skin has the potential to prevent infection and keep the area from itching as much.

However, it's best to check in with your doctor before introducing any new product to your skin. This is especially true when dealing with essential oils since their production isn't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Per WebMD, people with eczema are more sensitive to potential irritants and may have an adverse reaction to essential oils with unverified ingredients.

Now that you know essential oils can help alleviate some of your eczema symptoms, it's time to choose your arsenal. Some essential oils are better than others at protecting your skin against eczema's most bothersome symptoms. Just remember to always use a carrier oil — such as sunflower oil — to dilute any pure essential oil that you plan to use topically.

Tea tree oil is a fan favorite for natural health gurus. It's used in diffusers, bath bombs, candles, and other products for its soothing effects. And, according to Verywell Health, this useful oil makes for a great addition to your eczema treatment plan. It's best known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which heal and protect skin that's been broken from excessive scratching.

Another essential oil that fights against eczema is chamomile oil. Chamomile has been used for centuries to treat conditions like eczema and ulcers (via the National Library of Medicine.) If you find yourself scratching at your skin often, chamomile oil could give you the relief you need.