Atopic dermatitis or eczema could be genetic or acquired during lifetime. Commonly, it is an itchy inflammation of the skin. The main symptom is a rash that typically appears on the arms and behind the knees, but it can also appear anywhere. Predisposing factors could be childhood eczema, frequent hand washing, and occupational exposure to chemicals, (1). Published literature mentions diet as a major player in offering relief and points out that consumption of essential fatty acids may relieve signs and symptoms of eczema, (2, 3). Additionally, natural plant oils, like sweet almond, borage, evening primrose, (4, 5), or essential oils mentioned in some anecdotical reports, may help improve skin condition and suppress itch and inflammation.
Valerie Ann Worwood, Doctor in Complementary Medicine, consultant and expert in clinical use of essential oils, suggests a combination of chamomile german and manuka oils in camellia seed oil, jojoba oil and evening primrose seed oil for eczema. A more complex combination for eczema and psoriasis of the scalp is made of essential oils of chamomile german, bergamot, juniper berry, rosewood and lavender with plant oils of borage, tamanu and camellia seed, (6).
Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD, scientific director of the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy says that dry eczema may be relieved with geranium and spike lavender essential oils, mixed with Calophyllum inophyllum oil (tamanu oil), combination that must be mixed with aloe vera gel since it gets absorbed faster by the skin, (7).
Another suggestion by Dr. K. Schnaubelt is to mix lavender, palmarosa essential oil with Calophyllum inophyllum and rose hip seed oils, (8).
Note: The three main omega-3 essential fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The statements found in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult your physician before starting any natural ointments and always test salves, lotions or oils for skin tolerance.
- The Use of an Over-the-Counter Hand Cream With Sweet Almond Oil for the Treatment of Hand Dermatitis. Zeichner JA, Berson D, Donald A., J Drugs Dermatol. 2018 Jan 1;17(1):78-82.
- Increased requirements for essential fatty acids in atopic individuals: a review with clinical descriptions. Galland L., J Am Coll Nutr. 1986;5(2):213-28. doi: 10.1080/07315724.1986.10720126.
- Dietary supplements for established atopic eczema. Bath-Hextall FJ, Jenkinson C, Humphreys R, Williams H.C. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Feb 15;(2):CD005205. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005205.pub3.
- Borage oil in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.Foster RH, Hardy G, Alany, R.G. Nutrition. 2010 Jul-Aug;26(7-8):708-18. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2009.10.014.
- Evening primrose oil.Bayles B, Usatine R. Am Fam Physician. 2009 Dec 15;80(12):1405-6.
- Valerie Ann Worwood book: The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy. https://amzn.to/3aXMtEL
- Kurt Schnaubelt book 1: Advanced aromatherapy. https://amzn.to/2NKs65k
- Kurt Schnaubelt book 2: The healing intelligence of essential oils. https://amzn.to/3kvjED5