Essential oils are derived from botanicals through a distillation process using steam or water. They are extremely concentrated and richly fragrant. Lots of essential oils provide therapeutic or medical advantages. Certain essential oils are effective at alleviating itchy skin and are safe for most people when used properly.
Itchy skin can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including dryness, dandruff, bug bites, rashes, and allergies. Skin that itches uncontrollably or is accompanied by swelling should be examined by a doctor or skin doctor.
Essential Oils For Itching And How To Use Them
There are a number of essential oils that are effective at lowering or eliminating itchy skin. Some have antimicrobial properties, which makes them efficient versus infections that might result from scratching. Others have anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective at calming down irritated skin and easing itchy bug bites.
Any type of essential oil you utilize must be mixed with a provider oil prior to utilizing on skin. Likewise, make sure to pick a pure, high-quality oil from a manufacturer you trust. Organic oils may be best.
How to Apply Essential Oils on Itchy Skin
Essential oils are often used in complex skincare formulas. But most of them are as effective when applied topically on their own. Carrier oils provide a straightforward fix. Not all essential oils are irritating when applied straight to the itchy skin.
Carrier oils “carry” essential oils into the skin so that the skin doesn’t get red and swollen. In fact, they make the plant more effective by making it easier for the skin to absorb all of it without any unwanted side effects. This makes the most of the ingredient’s benefits. If you put on a carrier oil, it might help spread the smell of an essential oil that hasn’t been mixed with any other oils.
The essential oil you’re working with, your particular taste, and the oils that are readily available will all determine which of the many carrier oils is best for you. The most often used carrier oils are:
- Fatty acid-rich, unrefined coconut oil is excellent for massaging and skin nourishment.
- Perfect for people with oily or acne-prone skin, jojoba oil doesn’t clog pores.
- If your skin is sensitive or irritated, try using apricot kernel oil as a carrier oil.
- Oil extracted from sweet almonds is known for its fast skin absorption and pleasant, nutty aroma.
- When other oils aren’t readily available, try using olive oil instead. It also works wonders on dry skin when combined with essential oils.
Consistency is crucial when utilizing essential oils to enhance the health, texture, and appearance of the skin, as is the case with all aspects of hygiene. After identifying your preferred essential oils, incorporate them into your daily routine. Apply immediately after the shower by combining a few drops with your preferred carrier oil or adding a few drops to your nighttime moisturizer. Consider using one to two drops in your preferred oil-based nighttime serum. These are straightforward methods to begin using essential oils on a daily or weekly basis.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil’s cooling properties can help in reducing itching brought on by bug bites, toxin ivy, and hives. It can likewise be used to relax itching related to diabetes, liver illness, and kidney illness. In a 2016 study, participants experienced itch relief when using peppermint oil integrated with petrolatum. The study participants were encouraged to hydrate their skin prior to applying the peppermint oil mixture. A guar gum-based gel consisting of peppermint oil was also revealed to be efficient at reducing severe itching (pruritus) brought on by burn-induced hypertrophic scars.
Chamomile
Noticeably fragrant and calming to the skin, chamomile essential oil can be used topically to lower itching caused by eczema, hemorrhoids, and diaper rash. It’s likewise safe to use on the scalp for itching associated with dandruff or dry skin. You can massage a combination of chamomile oil and a carrier oil straight into your scalp prior to shampooing. You can likewise include 5 to 10 drops of chamomile oil straight into your shampoo bottle, and wash your hair as you normally would.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oils can be found in many strengths and can be found in shampoo products. It assists to provide relief from dandruff and itching associated with head lice. If using tea tree essential oil, make sure to dilute it before it applying to the scalp. Diluted tea tree oil can likewise be utilized directly on the skin to manage hives or to cool down itching associated with eczema. An antifungal, tea tree oil is also effective for treating athlete’s foot. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil’s antifungal properties make it reliable for conditions such as jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm. It can likewise assist decrease the stinging and itching of bug bites. Lavender oil’s soft, relaxing scent makes it a great option for all-over dry skin moisturizing. Use a mix of lavender essential oil and carrier oil on damp skin directly after a shower or bath.
Rose Geranium
Rose geranium essential oil smells like an English garden and is used extensively in herbal remedies for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. An animal study indicated that rose geranium oil likewise has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be utilized to relieve itching caused by eczema and dry skin. You can use rose geranium oil with a carrier oil or mix it with other essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile.
Side Effects And Risks Of Using Essential Oils For Itch Relief
Constantly opt for a pure, high-quality organic oil. Adulterated oils may be mixed with unknown components or chemicals. These might be most likely to cause an adverse reaction.
Never put essential oil directly on the skin without first blending it with a provider oil. Essential oils are extremely condensed and extremely potent. Used full strength, they can cause skin inflammation and rash. Typically, a few drops of essential oil suffice. Aim to develop an option that is around 5 percent essential oil in strength.
Do a patch test prior to utilizing it on a large area of skin. Do not use any essential oil originated from a plant you are allergic or conscious. If your itching worsens or a rash establishes, wash off the essential oil solution and call your doctor.
You shouldn’t use essential oil on a baby or child without their doctor’s approval. Never put peppermint oil on a child’s face or chest due to the fact that the menthol vapors may trigger severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing or headaches, if inhaled.
If you are pregnant, do not use essential oils without your doctor’s approval.
What The Research Says
Essential oils have been used for centuries. They are currently being studied for their effects on skin conditions and other medical conditions. Several studies taking a look at the efficiency of various essential oils in treating skin conditions have discovered them to be safe for most people when used properly.
Another study reported that essential oils and other wild plant derivatives were an inexpensive and efficient treatment for numerous skin conditions, and triggered less side effects than standard medications.
Takeaway
There are lots of essential oils that can be efficient for itchy skin. Many people can use essential oils on skin safely, provided they water down the oils with a carrier oil or other compound. Essential oils can help to minimize or remove itching triggered by numerous conditions, consisting of bug bites, eczema, and dandruff. However, they must not be used by children, babies, or pregnant females without a doctor’s OK.
