Essential Oils for Eczema Treatment: Do They Work?

If your severe eczema is not responding to traditional treatments, you may be wondering what other options you have. In addition to the therapies a doctor prescribes, you may be looking to try alternative or complementary medicine.

One type of complementary therapy you might be curious about is the use of essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts distilled from various plants. They’re used in aromatherapy or diluted with a carrier oil for topical use.

Eczema causes red, itchy, and dry rashes that range from mild to severe. Persistent scratching due to severe eczema can cause damage to your skin, putting you at risk for skin infection. Finding a way to successfully manage this condition can prevent complications.

Here are some essential oils that can potentially ease eczema symptoms.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant. It’s used for a variety of skin conditions, including:

• athlete’s foot
• head lice
• nail fungus
• insect bites

Tea tree oil has been proven to be an effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment.

In a 2010 study, researchers compared various herbs and minerals for treating contact dermatitis and found tea tree oil to be the most effective.

However, in another study, undiluted tea tree oil has also been found to cause contact dermatitis for certain individuals who are allergic to one or more components of the oil.

Tea tree oil is strong. There’s a risk of skin irritation. Always dilute it with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or argan oil, before applying it to your skin.

Another important safety precaution: You should never swallow essential oils. If ingested, they can be toxic. Also, it’s best to do a skin patch test before using any essential oil.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is considered to have numerous health benefits, such as the ability to relieve indigestion and calm nausea. Some people claim it can also be applied topically to reduce itching.

This oil is highly concentrated. Like all essential oils, you should mix it with a carrier oil before using it. However, because this oil is so highly concentrated, you may want to use a larger amount of carrier oil.

Use a few drops at first to avoid any irritation. Never apply it to your face. Avoid using it on the chest of infants or young children, as it can be harmful if they inhale it.

There’s very limited research on peppermint oil and its effects on eczema, so be cautious about using it. Talk with a doctor before trying it.

Calendula oil

Calendula oil comes from the calendula, or marigold, flower.

One small study showed that calendula has anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin and can reduce swelling and pain. There isn’t any research on calendula oil specifically for eczema, so it’s not certain that it can ease your symptoms. To be safe, talk with a doctor.

Borage oil

A 2010 study investigated the use of borage oil for soothing eczema-prone skin. Borage oil contains a fatty acid that bodies convert into a hormone-like substance with anti-inflammatory properties.

Some people claim to have seen improvements in skin inflammation. But study results are mixed. More research is needed to determine if borage oil is effective at reducing eczema symptoms.

In addition to the essential oils listed above, there are other plant-derived oils available that could help treat severe eczema. These can be applied to your skin or used as a carrier oil for essential oils.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil comes from seeds of the jojoba plant. It’s used as an ingredient in many body care products, like shampoos, lotions, and facial cleansers.

Some research suggests that jojoba oil is also anti-inflammatory and can be used to soothe the skin and calm irritation, but more research is needed.

It’s also a powerful moisturizer. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, an oily substance secreted by your skin and hair.

Coconut oil

Some people claim that coconut oil has various benefits, whether you cook with it or apply it topically.

Coconut oil has some antimicrobial properties, which can reduce the chances of a skin infection. It’s also anti-inflammatory, so it may be able to provide relief from dry, cracked skin caused by inflammation.

In a 2013 study involving 117 children with eczema, applying virgin coconut oil topically for 8 weeks resulted in improvement of their skin.

Still, this single study does not mean that coconut oil can improve your case of eczema. Some people may have an allergy to coconut oil. Always talk with a doctor before applying anything new to your skin.

Sunflower seed oil

Sunflower seed oil is another carrier oil that some people claim has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it helpful in reducing dryness and boosting skin hydration.

Sunflower seed oil is also a source of the antioxidant vitamin E. Some research has shown that vitamin E can reduce signs of skin inflammation. This may make it helpful for eczema, but more research is needed.

If you buy an essential oil, use it as directed. Essential oils should never be ingested. You must dilute them with a carrier oil before using them topically. Essential oils can be:

• applied to your skin
• diffused into the air for aromatherapy
• added to a bath

It’s also important to note that some essential oils are toxic to pets. If you or someone else is pregnant, some essential oils may be dangerous to inhale.

If you’re curious about trying an essential oil, talk with a doctor first. They can help you determine if using essential oils poses any concerns, such as making your condition worse.

Also, if you use an essential oil and see signs of redness, itching, burning, or stinging on your skin, contact a doctor and immediately discontinue use, as you may be having an allergic reaction.

Even though essential oils may provide relief for your severe eczema, use these oils with caution. Some people experience irritation due to allergic reactions or sensitivities after applying the oils. Essential oils are also not safe to swallow.

More research is needed to determine if these oils truly help relieve eczema symptoms.

If you’re using an essential oil for the first time, do a skin test. To perform a skin test:

• Apply a small, diluted dab to a patch of skin.
• Look for signs of a reaction, like stinging, burning, or redness.

Some of these essential oils and botanical oils are linked to reducing inflammation and boosting moisture, making them potentially helpful for eczema-prone skin. But there is not enough research yet to support this.

Use essential oils with caution, as they can sometimes lead to irritation or an allergic reaction. Always talk with a doctor before applying anything new to your skin that they have not recommended.

Essential Oils for Eczema Treatment: Do They Work?

If your severe eczema is not responding to traditional treatments, you may be wondering what other options you have. In addition to the therapies a doctor prescribes, you may be looking to try alternative or complementary medicine.

One type of complementary therapy you might be curious about is the use of essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts distilled from various plants. They’re used in aromatherapy or diluted with a carrier oil for topical use.

Eczema causes red, itchy, and dry rashes that range from mild to severe. Persistent scratching due to severe eczema can cause damage to your skin, putting you at risk for skin infection. Finding a way to successfully manage this condition can prevent complications.

Here are some essential oils that can potentially ease eczema symptoms.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant. It’s used for a variety of skin conditions, including:

• athlete’s foot
• head lice
• nail fungus
• insect bites

Tea tree oil has been proven to be an effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment.

In a 2010 study, researchers compared various herbs and minerals for treating contact dermatitis and found tea tree oil to be the most effective.

However, in another study, undiluted tea tree oil has also been found to cause contact dermatitis for certain individuals who are allergic to one or more components of the oil.

Tea tree oil is strong. There’s a risk of skin irritation. Always dilute it with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or argan oil, before applying it to your skin.

Another important safety precaution: You should never swallow essential oils. If ingested, they can be toxic. Also, it’s best to do a skin patch test before using any essential oil.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is considered to have numerous health benefits, such as the ability to relieve indigestion and calm nausea. Some people claim it can also be applied topically to reduce itching.

This oil is highly concentrated. Like all essential oils, you should mix it with a carrier oil before using it. However, because this oil is so highly concentrated, you may want to use a larger amount of carrier oil.

Use a few drops at first to avoid any irritation. Never apply it to your face. Avoid using it on the chest of infants or young children, as it can be harmful if they inhale it.

There’s very limited research on peppermint oil and its effects on eczema, so be cautious about using it. Talk with a doctor before trying it.

Calendula oil

Calendula oil comes from the calendula, or marigold, flower.

One small study showed that calendula has anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin and can reduce swelling and pain. There isn’t any research on calendula oil specifically for eczema, so it’s not certain that it can ease your symptoms. To be safe, talk with a doctor.

Borage oil

A 2010 study investigated the use of borage oil for soothing eczema-prone skin. Borage oil contains a fatty acid that bodies convert into a hormone-like substance with anti-inflammatory properties.

Some people claim to have seen improvements in skin inflammation. But study results are mixed. More research is needed to determine if borage oil is effective at reducing eczema symptoms.

In addition to the essential oils listed above, there are other plant-derived oils available that could help treat severe eczema. These can be applied to your skin or used as a carrier oil for essential oils.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil comes from seeds of the jojoba plant. It’s used as an ingredient in many body care products, like shampoos, lotions, and facial cleansers.

Some research suggests that jojoba oil is also anti-inflammatory and can be used to soothe the skin and calm irritation, but more research is needed.

It’s also a powerful moisturizer. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, an oily substance secreted by your skin and hair.

Coconut oil

Some people claim that coconut oil has various benefits, whether you cook with it or apply it topically.

Coconut oil has some antimicrobial properties, which can reduce the chances of a skin infection. It’s also anti-inflammatory, so it may be able to provide relief from dry, cracked skin caused by inflammation.

In a 2013 study involving 117 children with eczema, applying virgin coconut oil topically for 8 weeks resulted in improvement of their skin.

Still, this single study does not mean that coconut oil can improve your case of eczema. Some people may have an allergy to coconut oil. Always talk with a doctor before applying anything new to your skin.

Sunflower seed oil

Sunflower seed oil is another carrier oil that some people claim has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it helpful in reducing dryness and boosting skin hydration.

Sunflower seed oil is also a source of the antioxidant vitamin E. Some research has shown that vitamin E can reduce signs of skin inflammation. This may make it helpful for eczema, but more research is needed.

If you buy an essential oil, use it as directed. Essential oils should never be ingested. You must dilute them with a carrier oil before using them topically. Essential oils can be:

• applied to your skin
• diffused into the air for aromatherapy
• added to a bath

It’s also important to note that some essential oils are toxic to pets. If you or someone else is pregnant, some essential oils may be dangerous to inhale.

If you’re curious about trying an essential oil, talk with a doctor first. They can help you determine if using essential oils poses any concerns, such as making your condition worse.

Also, if you use an essential oil and see signs of redness, itching, burning, or stinging on your skin, contact a doctor and immediately discontinue use, as you may be having an allergic reaction.

Even though essential oils may provide relief for your severe eczema, use these oils with caution. Some people experience irritation due to allergic reactions or sensitivities after applying the oils. Essential oils are also not safe to swallow.

More research is needed to determine if these oils truly help relieve eczema symptoms.

If you’re using an essential oil for the first time, do a skin test. To perform a skin test:

• Apply a small, diluted dab to a patch of skin.
• Look for signs of a reaction, like stinging, burning, or redness.

Some of these essential oils and botanical oils are linked to reducing inflammation and boosting moisture, making them potentially helpful for eczema-prone skin. But there is not enough research yet to support this.

Use essential oils with caution, as they can sometimes lead to irritation or an allergic reaction. Always talk with a doctor before applying anything new to your skin that they have not recommended.

Eczema – oil treatment Nefertiti

The name of this disease comes from the Greek word “eczeo”, which means “to boil”, and this explains the characteristic property of eczematous vesicles to burst quickly, like bubbles of boiling water. Eczema is a chronic relapsing allergic skin disease. The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It protects the body from injury and infection, regulates temperature, prevents moisture loss, plays an immune role. It is the skin that reacts first in inflammatory processes, which manifest themselves in the form of eczema and atopic dermatitis. People suffering from eczema experience terrible pain.

Genetics play a decisive role in the development of eczema. If your parents had hay fever, asthma, or hives, then it is likely that you may be diagnosed with eczema. But you can also be the first in the family to get the disease, but not the last.

According to its clinical forms, eczema is divided into a large number of types. Here are some of them, whose names speak for themselves: professional, microbial, varicose, seborrheic, contact and true. From the names it is already clear that:0003

• Occupational eczema appears and develops under the influence of occupational allergens.
• Seborrheic most often begins on the scalp.
• Varicose eczema occurs against the background of varicose disease and is localized in the lower extremities in close proximity to varicose ulcers.
• Microbial eczema occurs with a long-term inflammatory process that was caused by microbes or fungi
• True eczema occurs from completely unexplored external and internal factors. It can be mental trauma, diabetes, thyroid disease, vegetative-vascular disease and others. Most often it has a chronic form.

Signs of eczema: itching, redness, swelling, the appearance of small vesicles (papules), the presence of exudate (serous contents) in the vesicles, which, when the vesicles open, is released to the surface of the skin, and the appearance of scabs.

In the treatment of eczema, first of all, its causes should be eliminated. They are as follows:

• Unhealthy diet (fatty, high-calorie, non-natural food, GMO foods and foods treated with chemicals). Eczema can be the result of a reaction to certain foods. Very often, children with eczema have intolerance to certain foods. Eliminating grains or dairy products from your child’s diet may improve their skin condition
• Physical effects on the skin, such as detergents or perfumes, wardrobe items, rough underwear, a child’s new toy. It is necessary to immediately identify the provocateur of an allergic reaction and get rid of it immediately.
• Excessive daily hygiene procedures. Use special mild products for dry and sensitive skin. Don’t take hot showers, use warm water. Do not use oily creams or ointments to heal the skin (at this stage they will only exacerbate the problem). If you have eczema on your hands, do not wash your hands too often
• Combing affected areas of the skin. The skin in the affected areas can only be stroked, but not scratched or scratched.
• Psycho-emotional disorders and stress. Try to avoid stressful situations, as neurogenic eczema may appear. A great way to improve well-being in children and adults suffering from neurogenic eczema is a relaxing massage with aromatic oils (without affecting the affected areas of the body). “Calm, only calm!” – Carlson’s wise statement is as relevant as possible here.
• Diseases of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine or nervous systems.
• As a rule, there are several reasons from the above.

Eczema is a very unpleasant but not contagious skin disease. For its treatment, steroid and antihistamines are recommended. But they can not be used for a long time, as unwanted side effects are possible. Experts recommend: in all cases of manifestation of eczema, use the help of natural and essential oils, which, unlike corticosteroids, will enhance the protective functions of the skin and will be good helpers in the treatment of the disease, because they reduce its severity without any side effects.

The most useful natural oil in the treatment of eczema is black cumin oil.

Black Seed Oil
Much has been written about the properties of this oil. This is a unique remedy, in Islam it is considered “a cure for all diseases except death.” It helps in the treatment of many diseases, but in this article we will only consider its effect on the treatment of eczema. Scientific evidence supports the therapeutic benefits of black seed oil as well as its effectiveness against skin conditions.

In its composition, it contains vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, alcohols, phenols, phytosterols, phospholipids, esters, carotenoids, catalysts for natural protein biosynthesis, as well as such biologically active ingredients as thymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol, nigelcin, nigellidin, which provide a range of dermatological benefits for the skin, including the treatment of eczema.

This oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties that help reduce white blood cells, reduce bacterial growth, help relieve skin inflammation, and prevent local infections. It restores damaged skin structures, promotes wound healing and prevents further infection. It helps to localize the ongoing inflammatory process and regenerate the skin. Also, black seed oil can control skin reactions such as inflammation and itching associated with eczema. The use of this oil helps prevent eczema by improving the functions of the epidermal barrier, which protects the skin from bacteria and microbes that cause inflammation.

How to use :
For eczema, black seed oil is applied to problem areas of the skin 3 times a day with a cotton swab dipped in oil. For a faster and more lasting positive result, black cumin oil is recommended to be taken orally 1 teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach.

Black seed oil therapy should be carried out 2-3 times a year.

Natural oils such as shea butter, argan oil and jojoba oil can also be used for eczema.

Shea butter
Shea butter (shea) is rich in vitamins A and E, saturated fatty acids. It has a powerful moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effect, so it is used to treat very dry skin, used for eczema and other skin problems.

Argan oil
PIC 6. Due to its composition, which is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids, this oil helps to regenerate damaged skin, helps prevent irritation and dryness of the skin. Thanks to the antioxidant properties of argan oil, it helps repair damaged skin cells and reduces inflammation. Suitable for use in eczema and psoriasis.

Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is better known as an ingredient in anti-aging creams.

But it is also great for eczema and psoriasis. With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it helps reduce the dryness, flaking, and itching associated with eczema.

You can enhance the effect of natural oils with the help of essential oils. Essential oils are not used in their pure form, they are mixed with base oils (approximately 3-5 drops of essential oil per 10 ml of base oil). The following essential oils are recommended for eczema:

Tea Tree Essential Oil
Contains antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help relieve skin irritation and swelling and prevent infection. Reduces allergic reactions, which is useful for occupational eczema that occurs when exposed to industrial allergens. The antifungal properties of this oil are beneficial for seborrheic dermatitis (a chronic form of eczema). Also, this oil relieves itching from eczema of the scalp.

Lavender essential oil
Has bactericidal, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for treating skin conditions, including eczema. Lavender oil is versatile. It also helps relieve anxiety, stress, depression, and this helps with neurogenic eczema. On small areas of skin, lavender oil can be used undiluted several times a day until healing.

Peppermint essential oil
PIC 7 Anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and soothes the skin. It has antiseptic, analgesic, antioxidant, bactericidal, resolving and immunomodulatory effects. Peppermint essential oil irritates cold receptors, which leads to a decrease and even disappearance of skin itching. Mint aroma helps to calm the nervous system, which is also useful in the treatment of eczema

Clove essential oil
Clove oil contains a high amount of eugenol, a substance that has antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes this oil very effective in treating eczema of any location.

Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil has a wide range of uses. The main active ingredient of this oil is eucalyptol, which has antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, due to which eucalyptus oil is recommended for use in eczema to reduce inflammation and pain.

When should I see a doctor?

Be aware that eczema may develop a bacterial infection. You should see a dermatologist if your skin hurts, oozes, or crusts. The doctor will check for infection and prescribe treatment if mild skin care products and home remedies do not help.

But the good news is that people with eczema don’t usually experience these symptoms all the time. Eczema flares appear when exposed to triggers such as stress, chemical detergents, dust, sweat, and others. Here are some tips on how to avoid these outbreaks:

• Avoid rubbing against the skin as much as possible. Do not wear coarse fabrics or wool. Opt for breathable cotton clothing
• Sleep cool at night to relieve itching, as heat can itch and dry out the skin. In winter, use a humidifier to avoid excessive dryness in the bedroom
• If the skin is very itchy, try not to comb it. Cold compresses can be used to soothe the skin
• For eczema on the hands, try not to wash your hands very often and apply hand cream immediately after washing. Be sure to wear rubber gloves before washing dishes or when handling chemicals
• Do not exfoliate more than 2-3 times a month. Especially avoid products with retinol, they are very drying of the skin
• Do not overdo it. Fatigue and stress can cause recurring eczema. Get enough sleep, rest, exercise.
• If you are genetically predisposed to eczema, watch your diet and refrain from fatty, sweet, spicy and fried foods; do not visit the bath and sauna; refrain from traveling to countries with a hot and humid climate
• Change jobs if you develop occupational eczema.

Eczema is rarely completely cured. Sometimes it goes away on its own. We hope that by following our recommendations, you will take better care of your skin and significantly improve the quality of your life.

used literature:

https://style.rbc.ru/health/5f0e001b9a7947db84672461
https://www.emcmos. ru/disease/ekzema-simptomy-i-sposoby-lecheniya/
https://www.mz19.ru/upload/iblock/d23/ekzema.pdf
https://nsoils.ru/a231429-maslo-chernogo-tmina.html
https://www.amursma.ru/upload /iblock/a02/3a66bdd20c7caecc97e9a1cdfde47641.pdf

The use of essential oils in the treatment of skin diseases

Adapted from an article by Eliza Perlstein, published in AromaScents Journal vol. 36

About the author: Eliza Perlstein is a well-known perfumer, ecologist, PhD, author of numerous scientific publications and works in the field of study and use of essential oils.

Many skin diseases are often the result of general intoxication of the body, hormonal disorders, long-term emotional imbalance (Lawless 1995) and unbalanced diet (Ryman 1991). Essential oils can greatly speed up the healing process because they have a very broad spectrum of action. Essential oils can, along with cleansing the body of toxins, have a positive effect on the central nervous system. The antibacterial properties of oils make them indispensable in the treatment of many skin diseases. The beneficial effect of exposure to essential oils is especially evident in the treatment of complex diseases such as eczema, lichen, acne, and fungal skin lesions (Buckle 2003).

To prove the effectiveness of the use of essential oils in the treatment of a number of skin diseases, the methods of several well-known specialists in this field were studied. Similar moments were tracked in the treatment of completely different diseases. Along with this, the characteristics of the main components of essential oils – terpenes (a group of hydrocarbon organic compounds) and alcohols were analyzed. The purpose of the research was to determine whether the effectiveness of the results would change if, instead of the officially recommended oil, another one was used, but with a similar chemical composition. All conclusions were based on clinical trials. The data were recorded in tables (see below). Table 1 lists traditionally recommended essential oils and their components. Table 2 includes a list of essential oils and their components used in clinical trials.

Healthy skin and appearance

This is the most general category and at the same time the most influenced by factors such as food culture, mental state, hygiene. In this case, the traditional aromatherapy approach includes the following steps: antimicrobial therapy, sebum control, cleansing and nourishing the skin.

In this paper we will look at acne, hair loss and eczema.

Akne

In most cases, acne is the result of excessive sebum production. Calendula, chamomile, lavender, mint, myrrh, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli and tea tree have a positive effect on acne-prone skin (Ryman 1991). Experts advise caution when using the so-called oil carriers (base oils) in their pure form as an independent product. They should not be unnecessarily heavy so as not to exacerbate the problem. Schnobelt (1999) recommends peppermint orally rather than topically as an essential oil. This will help cleanse the liver of toxins. Topically used lavender, manuka and tea tree essential oils will help purify the skin and promote the formation of new, healthy skin. This treatment should be accompanied by good nutrition. Categorically exclude products containing hormones or pesticides.

Baldness

Baldness (alopecia) can be the result of many factors: physiological aging, autoimmune diseases, and others. Recommended essential oils for all types of alopecia are sage (Ryman 1991), thyme, rosemary, lavender, carrot, and clary sage (Worwood 1991). Most of these essential oils contain esters that promote cell regeneration and nervous system repair (Watson). These oils are very gentle. In a special clinical trial, 86 patients suffering from alopecia areata were divided into two groups. The control group was asked to massage the scalp with oil carriers. The active group used the carrier oils only as a base for the composition containing thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar. Therapists recorded a significant improvement (44% of patients in the active group versus 15% in the control group). The conclusions were based on the assessments and opinions of third-party observers who were provided with photographs (Hay, I.C., M.JJamieson and A.D. Ormerod.1998). All subjects selected essential oils based on their personal experience and feedback on oils in more than 100 years of practice. An experienced aromatherapist was among the subjects and this experiment was one of the most revealing in practice.

Eczema (Dermatitis)

For eczema, it is recommended to use oils of benzoin, chamomile, geranium, cedar, orange, oregano, patchouli, rose, juniper, sage and sandalwood. These oils also affect stress and fatigue (Ryman 1991). Chamomile reduces inflammation, while lavender oil promotes skin regeneration (Buckle 2003).

A scientific experiment involving patients with atopic dermatitis was carried out to clarify the effects of randomly selected oils.

8 children suffering from atopic dermatitis and their mothers were selected to participate in the experiment. The therapy included a massage using essential oils combined with traditional prescribed treatments. The massage was given by the therapist once a week in addition to the daily massage given by the mothers themselves. Mothers were asked to choose arbitrary oils for massage. The women chose oils of marjoram, frankincense, chamomile, benzoin, myrrh and thyme. Their choice was dictated by personal preference and the fact that these oils are widely used in aromatherapy in general. The first group of subjects received a massage course without the use of oils, while the children of the second group used the oils chosen by their mothers. After 2 weeks, the first results were summed up. Data were taken into account on the anxiety delivered by eczema during the day and at night, as well as observations of the mother, the therapist and the patient himself. The health status of children in both groups did not differ significantly. However, there was a possibility of side effects in the oil group. This experiment once again confirmed the importance of a scientific approach to aromatherapy and the need for a thorough study of all the chemical components of a particular oil.

Lesions and skin lesions

When the integrity of the skin is broken, it is very important to prevent infection of the wound, relieve pain, stop bleeding and avoid scarring. The best oils for such cases are those that can be applied directly to the skin or to the wound itself. For ulcers and hematomas, oils are used, which include alcohols or compounds of alcohols and esters. Alcohols, having an analgesic, antibiotic and sedative effect, soften the effect of essential oils on the skin. Schnobelt recommends using Helichrysum immediately after an accident and thereafter to speed up the healing process. Lavender is the most famous and effective remedy for burns. Chamomile is often recommended as an excellent anti-inflammatory. Other recommended essential oils not only reduce the risk of infection, but also stimulate tissue regeneration and healing (see Table 1).

In the treatment of wounds, similar essential oils can also be used, the effect of which should not be underestimated. Most of the recommendations are aimed at reducing infection, speeding up the healing process, and preventing scarring. Schnobelt recommends using Italian immortelle directly on the wound. Riemann recommends rose essential oil.

The following clinical experiment was carried out to study the effectiveness of the use of essential oils. Cancer patients were treated twice a day with a mixture of eucalyptus-based oils to treat foul-smelling necrotic ulcers. The choice of oils was dictated by their potential antibacterial properties. Along with this, the presence of a pleasant smell and anti-inflammatory properties of the selected oils was very important (see Table 2). The patients received standard antibiotic treatment, but also had their wounds washed with antibacterial essential oils twice a day. On the fourth day of treatment, there was a noticeable decrease in foci of inflammation, up to the complete tightening of small ulcers. But the doctors were struck by something else. In all patients, the fetid odor emanating from ulcers and which could not be eliminated for a long time completely disappeared. Moreover, doctors concluded that with such a positive result, debilitating therapy with high doses of antibiotics can be significantly reduced.

Infectious agents

Undoubtedly, one of the best known characteristics of essential oils is their action against infectious agents. Several essential oils have been identified that have a beneficial effect on the treatment of lichen: essential oils of geranium, lavender, myrtle and rosemary. Geranium and lavender contain alcohols and esters that have an antiviral effect and also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. General recommendations for virus control include the use of phenols and terpene alcohols (Schnaubelt 1999). In this case, antibacterial essential oils have the same effect as oils with antibiotic properties.

Traditional recommendations in the treatment of fungal diseases (candidiasis, mycosis, etc.) include the use of lavender, tea tree, myrrh, patchouli and marjoram. Most of the above essential oils contain a special kind of terpenes, which are strong antibiotics. Tea tree has pronounced antimicrobial properties and, according to many experts in the field, can successfully replace artificial (chemical) analogues of antimicrobial agents.

In another clinical trial, scientists used peppermint oil in the fight against herpes virus types 1 and 2. A 1% oil solution applied topically reduced ulceration by 82% in patients with type 1 herpes and reduced inflammation by 92% in patients with type 2. When using a higher concentration of oil, the improvements amounted to more than 90%. The authors recommend using this oil topically for recurrent herpes infections.

Insect bites and repellents

When bitten, monoterpenes and aldehydes come to the rescue. They have an antiseptic and analgesic effect, and also stimulate blood circulation. Citronella or lemon balm are among the first on this list. The smell of essential oils of these plants is pleasant for people, but for a long time they free the room from uninvited guests – parasites.

In 2002, Oyedele (A.O. 2002) tested lemongrass (lemongrass) oil for use as a persistent insect repellent. It was possible to find the ideal formula (15% concentrate), which acted for 2-3 hours. Citral is believed to be the active ingredient in lemon sorghum. Scientists concluded that such a repellent is no worse than an industrial chemical counterpart. For maximum effect, they recommend using a hydrophilic base.

Lice, mosquitoes, ants, moths and mites do not tolerate components containing alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes and eugenol. It is likely that over the years, insect repellent components have been formed in plants. Thus, the essential oil of verbena tea ( Lippia multiflora) proved to be more effective against scabies than benzyl benzoate emulsion, moreover, it is not as irritating to the skin (Oladimeji et al. ).

Conclusion

Analysis of the ingredients of various essential oils recommended for the treatment of skin diseases revealed some similarities in their chemical composition. One of the main characteristics of essential oils is the complexity of their composition. However, many oils have one or two dominant ingredients, alcohols or terpenes. In this study, we used those essential oils, the content of individual components in which is more concentrated than in the rest. It is believed that the most important groups of organic molecules in essential oils are alcohols, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and esters. The concentration of these components is quite high in the content of 36 of the 44 oils offered by popular sources. Most of them appear in syngeria, such as lavender, geranium and sage. Monoterpenes are found in most essential oils, but their concentration is usually low. It should be noted that high concentrations of monoterpenes can cause skin irritation. Sesquiterpenes have pronounced anti-inflammatory, emollient and bactericidal properties. Alcohol, as mentioned above, can act as the main ingredient, but it often appears in combination with other components and sometimes weakens (softens) the effect of other active ingredients. Alcohols are bactericidal, antiviral, antiseptic and antifungal organic compounds. Esters, with soothing, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects, are excellent stimulators of cell regeneration (Watson, Caddy 1997).

Clinical trials have confirmed the high effectiveness of the traditionally recommended essential oils, and also proved the possibility of using other oils with a similar chemical composition.

Table 1.
Traditionally recommended essential oils and their components.

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