If you live with atopic dermatitis or another form of eczema, you may hear a lot about home remedies and alternative treatments. People might suggest trying acupuncture, making special shampoos, or using essential oils on your skin with eczema.

You should always talk to your dermatologist before trying any new treatments for your skin condition. This is especially true of treatments that don’t have much research to support them. However, some home remedies might work well for you. Some MyEczemaTeam members, for example, have realizing benefits from using essential oils such as tea tree oil. One member shared, “Using tea tree oil with jojoba oil on my scalp has made it feel much better, with no itching and less scaling.” Another said, “I’m thankful for tea tree oil and the relief I get from using it.”

Keep in mind that just because something works for one person’s eczema flare-ups, that doesn’t mean it will work for you. If you’re wondering, “Are there any essential oils for eczema?” or “What is the best essential oil for eczema?”, here’s what you need to know.

1. Essential Oils Come From Plants

Essential oils are found naturally in plants. They’re extracted from flowers, roots, stems, leaves, and roots. In nature, these oils serve a number of purposes, such as attracting or repelling insects and other animals, healing damage, and controlling infections.

They’re called “oils” because they contain chemicals that can be dissolved in oil. To make essential oils, parts of the plant are pressed or steamed to extract the chemicals that produce the fragrance. Other methods can also be used to make these oils. The final product may differ depending on the method used.

Essential oils have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years across various cultures. In recent years, scientific research into their potential health benefits, including for conditions like eczema, has been increasing in the U.S.

2. Some Essential Oils May Help Eczema

What essential oils are good for eczema? Several essential oils used in traditional Chinese medicine have shown anti-inflammatory properties in studies. While some of these oils may be less commonly available in the Western world, they can offer potential benefits when used correctly and with proper guidance.

Essential oils like chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary are more widely available and are also known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce eczema-related skin inflammation.

Additionally, tea tree oil, fragonia oil, certain types of cinnamon oil, and Japanese cedar oil may lower the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that cause inflammation in your body. Cytokines are key chemicals in the inflammatory process. Some studies report that tea tree oil can help fight a variety of infections, making it antimicrobial too. This could help with skin health by preventing skin infections.

Some members of MyEczemaTeam have essential oils helpful in relieving their symptoms. One member shared, “I’ve been using frankincense essential oil mixed with a carrier oil like olive oil or sweet almond oil.” Another recommended, “Try using lavender oil and top it with a creamy lotion. My skin drinks it up.”

However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all essential oil or blend that works for everyone with eczema. The best essential oil for relieving itchy skin or the best blend will depend on what works best for your unique skin.

3. Other Essential Oils May Irritate Eczema

On the flip side, some essential oils can cause skin irritation for those with eczema or sensitive skin in general. This irritation may result from natural irritants or other chemicals that are added to essential oils during the extraction process. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, some dermatology experts say they are too harsh for the skin.

Some essential oils are known to cause skin reactions, including allergic reactions, and should be avoided by people with eczema. These include:

• Citrus oils (e.g., lemon, lemongrass, citronella, orange, lemon verbena)
• Mint oils (e.g., peppermint, wintergreen)
• Pepper oils (e.g., pink pepper, black pepper)
• Tree-based oils (e.g., birch, pine, fir)
• Other oils (e.g., basil, fennel, oregano, ginger)

Some members of MyEczemaTeam have reported negative reactions to essential oils. One member said, “The tea tree oil actually made my head worse.”

If you decide to try essential oils, you may need to test different ones to see what works for you.

4. Essential Oils Are Unregulated

One concern about essential oils is that they aren’t regulated in the United States. No government agency oversees their harvesting or processing, making it hard to know if you’re getting a quality product. This lack of regulation also increases the risk of exposure to harmful substances.

Be especially cautious when using essential oils on children, particularly babies with eczema. It’s important to avoid exposing them to potentially harmful ingredients.

5. Some Practices Can Help You Use Essential Oils Safely

If you choose to use essential oils, here are some tips to lower your risk of adverse reactions and side effects.

Consider Aromatherapy

Instead of applying oils directly to your skin, you can try aromatherapy. This involves breathing in the scent of an essential oil. You can inhale directly, use a diffuser, inhale with steam, or spray the oil in the air. Inhaled oils can interact with your respiratory system and stimulate the brain’s limbic system, which influences emotions and behaviors.

Dilute Before Applying

If you plan to apply essential oils directly to your skin, make sure to dilute them first. Most essential oils aren’t meant to be applied directly. You’ll need to use a carrier, such as water, coconut oil, or vegetable oil, for safe application.

One MyEczemaTeam member shared their experience: “For some reason, the essential oils tend to burn unless you use a dilution of lavender oil and water.”

Do a Patch Test

Always test any essential oil on a small patch of skin first. Health experts recommend doing a patch test by applying the oil to the same spot twice a day for seven to 10 days to check for any reactions before applying it more widely on your body.

6. Dermatologists Can Give Medical Advice on Using Essential Oils for Eczema

If you’re considering trying essential oils for your or your child’s eczema, talk to a dermatologist first. They can provide medical advice and help you use essential oils safely. They might test you for allergic reactions or have you try the oils in their office to minimize any negative effects.

If you’re looking into essential oils because your current treatment plan for eczema isn’t working, your health care provider can help you with that too. They may recommend alternatives that are more regulated than essential oils and safer to try.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, more than 53,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Do you use essential oils to help your eczema? What has worked or not worked for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.