Pharmacist / Expert in Aromatherapy and Dermocosmetics
"In eczema treatment, medical aromatherapy offers holistic healing by not just addressing symptoms but targeting root causes—powered by nature."
Title:
| What is Eczema?
| What Are the Types of Eczema?
| What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?
| How Is Eczema Diagnosed and Treated?
| What is Medical Aromatherapy?
| How Should Aromatherapy Support Eczema?
| Use of Essential Oils in Eczema and Precautions
| Nutritional Supplements to Support Eczema
| Common Misconceptions About Aromatherapy Oils
| Summary
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a general term for a group of inflammatory skin conditions. It can cause dryness, flaking, itching, redness, rashes, and inflammation on the skin. It is a highly discomforting condition. Many individuals diagnosed with eczema experience what is known as a “flare-up” period, which significantly decreases their quality of life. These flare-ups are often more frequent during times of high stress and disrupted dietary habits, causing a worsening of skin lesions. In flare-ups, these lesions may persist for days or even weeks without improvement. Severe eczema, if left untreated, may lead to complications beyond just itching and rashes, such as infections that require hospitalization. Although there is no permanent cure for eczema, there are effective ways to manage flare-ups and ease symptoms.
What Are the Types of Eczema?
Eczema is a skin disorder with several different types. There are seven commonly known types, each with some shared causes and lesions. These are:
- Atopic Dermatitis: The most common type, often simply referred to as "eczema". Symptoms include itching, redness, and inflammation. Itching is the most prominent and can lead to sleep disturbances.
- Contact Dermatitis: Triggered by an allergic reaction to environmental factors. Inflammation and itching occur when an allergen or irritant contacts the skin.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema (Dyshidrosis): Appears on the hands, feet, between fingers and toes. Blisters filled with fluid may appear, which are often itchy and painful. Healing may result in cracked, flaky skin. Triggers include seasonal allergies, allergens, stress, and excess moisture.
- Neurodermatitis: Starts with an itchy patch of skin and forms a scratch-itch cycle. It’s usually limited to one or two areas and is often triggered by stress or local irritation.
- Nummular Eczema (Nummular Dermatitis): Characterized by coin-shaped, itchy, irritated, and red patches. Typically seen in adolescents and adults, mainly on dry, sensitive skin, especially on the arms, legs, and torso.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap): Affects oily areas such as the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, chest, and groin. Leads to oily, inflamed, and yellowish flaky skin.
- Stasis Dermatitis (Venous Eczema / Varicose Eczema): Commonly occurs on the lower legs where blood flow is poor. It’s not contagious but is widespread. Swelling and slight color change over varicose veins are key signs.
Although there are seven types, it is possible to have more than one type simultaneously. Identifying the type of eczema is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?
The most common symptoms are itching and dryness. For some, itching is mild to moderate, but for others, it can be severe enough to break the skin, forming what’s known as the “itch-scratch cycle.”
Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and may include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Dry skin
- Inflamed skin
- Flaky skin
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Rash
- Thickened or leathery skin
How Is Eczema Diagnosed and Treated?
Due to the similarity of symptoms across different skin conditions, self-diagnosis is not advised. Proper diagnosis requires a consultation with a dermatologist. Diagnosis often includes a visual and/or physical examination, medical history, and possibly blood tests.
Once diagnosed, a personalized treatment plan is developed. Common medications include:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors
These reduce inflammation and help alleviate symptoms during flare-ups but are not curative and should not be used long-term.
Oral medications such as systemic immunomodulators, antibiotics, and antihistamines may also be prescribed based on age, medical history, and symptom severity.
In addition to prescription medications, natural shampoos, barrier-strengthening creams, and medical aromatherapy can be supportive.
What is Medical Aromatherapy?
Medical aromatherapy is a complementary approach using essential oils, addressing both physical and emotional well-being. Unlike conventional medicine, which targets disease, aromatherapy focuses on holistic healing and addressing the root cause of illness.
It uses carrier oils and essential oils, with proper dosage being critical. When used in correct concentrations, it supports healing for many conditions. Accurate diagnosis is essential before beginning treatment.
How Should Aromatherapy Support Eczema?
The correct formulation starts with identifying the eczema type. Carrier oils provide intense hydration. Some helpful carrier oils during flare-ups include:
- Borage oil
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Rosehip seed oil
- Poppy seed oil
- Avocado oil
- Calendula oil
Essential oils like lavender, niaouli, helichrysum, and geranium can be blended in proper dilutions into base serums.
Use of Essential Oils in Eczema and Precautions
Not all essential oils are suitable for direct skin application. In eczema, careful selection and dilution are critical due to the sensitivity of the affected skin.
Two powerful essential oils with quick benefits:
- Niaouli: From the tea tree family, contains 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). It's safer and less irritating than tea tree oil. Antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties make it ideal for eczema.
- Lavender: A versatile oil with calming, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, and analgesic properties. Key compounds: linalool and linalyl acetate.
Be cautious with camphor content—a ketone compound that may accumulate in the lungs and cause issues with prolonged inhalation. Always choose Ecocert-certified oils with known camphor levels.
Nutritional Supplements to Support Eczema
Key supplements include:
- Prebiotics and Probiotics:
- Prebiotics: fiber-rich foods that nourish good bacteria (e.g., yogurt, kefir, vinegar, banana, onion, garlic, artichoke, oats).
- Probiotics: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains support gut health, which directly influences skin health.
- Vitamin D:
- Low levels slow skin regeneration. Maintain levels between 50–80 ng/mL.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
- Reduce inflammation and improve skin health. Look for supplements with EPA/DHA ratio of 3:2 and total EPA+DHA > 1000 mg.
Common Misconceptions About Aromatherapy Oils
- “All oils are the same quality” → False. Oils vary in purity. Always check certifications and lab analyses. Adulterated oils lose therapeutic properties.
- “Essential oils are only for inhalation” → False. They’re used in serums for skin conditions like eczema and acne.
- “The more oil you add to a diffuser, the better” → False. Aromatherapy follows the “less is more” principle. Proper dosage ensures effectiveness.
Summary
Eczema, especially during flare-ups, can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Recovery requires more than just prescribed medication; personalized medical aromatherapy and targeted nutritional support play a crucial role. High-quality, natural oils—when used appropriately—can provide powerful holistic healing.
Eczema cannot be completely cured, so stress management is essential. Aromatherapy blends can be tailored for emotional balance. Diet should avoid spicy, sweet, processed, and gluten-rich foods while focusing on fiber and vitamins.
Finally, it is vital to be cautious with dermocosmetic product ingredients. A holistic approach is key to managing eczema in the long term.
