10 Affordable Essential Oils To Eliminate Skin Eczema

People who suffer from eczema often get dry, sensitive, and itchy skin and often suffer symptoms of red and warm skin, dark discoloration, rashes, swelling, blistering, peeling, and oozing. There is evidence eczema could have genetic origins, and it's been associated with the development of asthma and hay fever.

Other causes of developing eczema or flare-ups in existing eczema can include:

• Chemical irritants found in soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, and household cleaners.
• Allergens from pet dander, pollens, molds, and dandruff.
• Micro-organisms like bacteria and fungi.
• Swings in temperature from hot weather, sweating during physical activity, and high and low humidity.
• Food allergies from eating dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, nuts, and seeds.
• Clothing made of synthetic fibers or wool.

There are also physiological and emotional triggers that can elicit flare-ups such as hormonal imbalances that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. There is also a mind-body connection to consider, and feelings of anxiety or depression can cause symptoms to worsen.

Using an all-natural approach to treating eczema and psoriasis or any like skin condition will not only soothe the skin but will help manage emotions that may trigger a flare-up. Many essential oils are known to be helpful due to their detoxifying effects, moisturizing abilities, stress-relieving properties, and antibacterial properties. Research has even shown that specific oils can significantly decrease the pain associated with these skin disorders.

You should focus on the anti-inflammatory and soothing agents of essential oils for eczema while keeping in mind your treatment will be personalized depending on your body chemistry. Essential oils that have sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and alcohol such as alpha-bisabolol are the best for treating eczema. Add botanical extracts to this, and the therapeutic benefits and soothing qualities become enhanced for the user. Some common botanical extracts include vegetable and fruit oils, butter, and herbs. What you want are the omega-6 and 3 fatty acids because they are great for soothing irritated skin.

• Fill your bathtub with warm water and combine one teaspoon of oil with one up of finely ground rolled oats. Soak in this dissolved mixture for a half hour and gently rub the oatmeal mixture onto your skin for a gentle exfoliation.

• Make a hand bath or foot bath and add one teaspoon of an oil to a basin of warm water. Soak the affected area for 20 minutes while massaging it to increase blood flow to the area.

• After you get out of the shower and while your skin is still damp, massage the oil all over your body or on your affected areas.

• Use your fingertips to perform a topical application by rubbing the oil gently over any affected areas a few times throughout the day. If you find that the oil causes discomfort or oversensitivity of any kind, then you should use a carrier oil, so it's more diluted.

Although there are countless remedies available for eczema sufferers from topical steroids to phototherapy, from immunosuppressants to over-the-counter creams, a clinical study found more than 40% of polled individuals with eczema were dissatisfied with the current state of medical treatments for their ailments. They report that the medications are ineffective, expensive, or cause adverse and unwanted side effects.

The good news is that there are natural therapies that are gaining ground as people look to alternatives and researchers are learning more about the healing properties of plants and herbs. Botanical oils have shown a lot of potential in reducing skin inflammation while increasing the skin's moisture barrier. Essential oils have holistic healing properties that offer so many endless health benefits. You can use them to help treat underlying issues that cause eczema flare-ups such as anxiety and hormonal imbalances.

• Shea butter is rich in cinnamic acid, which reduces inflammation to promote wound healing and is intensely moisturizing for flaky, itchy skin.

• Almond oil is one of the best non-irritating oils, offers great emollient, and nourishes the skin.

• Jojoba oil has a molecular structure similar to our skin's natural oils, and coconut oil penetrates fast into the skin because of its soothing and antimicrobial properties.

• Sesame oil has a thick consistency for softening scaly spots and contains high levels of Vitamins A, B, and E as well as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

• Aloe Vera gel is best for soothing and cooling painful and dry skin; it's light and absorbs fast into the skin and has wound healing properties.