Essential Oils for Skin Itching | The Basics
Itching is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of things such as a reaction to a medication, a skin infection, or eczema. If you are experiencing itching, there are some essential oils that may help to provide relief. In this blog post, we will discuss seven essential oils for skin itching such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, chamomile oil, and more. We will also discuss how to use these oils and the benefits they offer. Keep reading to learn more!
Essential Oils for Skin Itching Relief
1. Tea Tree
Tea tree essential oil is a natural remedy for such skin conditions as itching. Its antiseptic and healing properties make it one of the best essential oils for skin itching. Tea tree oil soothes skin with its anti-inflammatory properties, thereby promoting healing on the skin.
Tea tree can help to control dandruff and flaking skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. This refreshing, earthy oil may also help with acne – it is antioxidant and antiseptic which means it can fight off acne-causing bacteria or prevent future breakouts by keeping pores clean.
This study shows that tea tree EO is not just great for treating skin problems but possesses many other great antimicrobial properties as well.
Diluted tea tree oil can be applied topically to the affected area for relief from itchy skin.
2. German Chamomile
German chamomile essential oil is well known for its anti-inflammatory, healing, and calming properties. This powerful but calming natural oil can be used in many different ways to soothe your skin from dryness or irritation. German Chamomile is known to soothe and moisturize the body while providing relief from stress and anxiety.
A study carried out on mice showed that German chamomile oil reduced the scratch frequency in mice suffering from atopic dermatitis (eczema).
This essential oil is also popular in hair care because of its ability to add shine and manageability. It is a great natural remedy for dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis.
3. Helichrysum
Helichrysum essential oil is a powerful regenerative and rejuvenating oil that can be used for skincare. It has been shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars, or stretch marks by increasing collagen production. This awesome oil has been found by studies as being effective at relieving topical pain such as those caused by bites and scratches.
Using helichrysum essential oil for skin itching can be very helpful in soothing the burning, stinging sensation that you may experience when dealing with itchy skin or skin irritation.
When applied topically to the hair, diluted helichrysum oil can help prevent hair breakage and promote healthy-looking locks.
4. Patchouli
Patchouli essential oil has been long prized for its skin-soothing properties and grounding aroma. It can be used to soothe itching caused by eczema or atopic dermatitis.
Patchouli helps reduce symptoms such as redness and burning/stinging. It may also work on sunburns – helping to cool down heated areas quickly while soothing irritation from sensitive skin.
The powerful scent and anti-inflammatory properties of patchouli may help soothe sore scalps. A few drops mixed into shampoo or diluted and applied to the scalp may help individuals who suffer from dryness and itching due to scalp issues such as seborrheic dermatitis.
5. Geranium
Geranium essential oil has been used for years to help heal cuts, wounds, and other types of skin damage. For those who suffer from skin itching, geranium oil is a natural way to soothe and calm your itches. A few drops can go a long way in soothing painful or sensitive areas of your body.
This floral-scented but powerful oil helps fight off the bacteria and fungi that can cause skin disorders. It is also helpful in relieving acne, eczema, or other skin problems.
Geranium offers many benefits when applied to the hair, too (including the prevention of split ends and brittleness) by strengthening strands against damage.
Diluted geranium oil can be applied directly onto the problem areas or mixed with other oils like lavender, chamomile, peppermint, etc., before applying it topically as a massage oil.
6. Lavender
Lavender essential oil is one of the best essential oils to relieve skin itching. It’s non-toxic, safe for almost all ages, and won’t irritate your allergies. Lavender oil is great at soothing itchy skin. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help reduce redness, irritation, or pain caused by certain skin issues such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, etc.
The smell of this natural oil is also very calming to the body and mind. A study published by NCBI, “suggests that Lavender EO has antiedematogenic activity and possesses an anti-inflammatory activity, both in the topical treatment and orally”.
Lavender is the perfect solution for an itchy scalp. It has been proven to soothe irritated skin and fight off dandruff. One way to use this oil would be to put some into your hair conditioner or shampoo for dandruff or other hair issues. Of course, you can apply it topically to the skin after proper dilution.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint is another essential oil that is great for itchy skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe your discomfort. The menthol in this oil can relieve some of the pain and discomfort caused by eczema, psoriasis or other irritations on your skin.
This study showed that topical treatment of chronic pruritus with peppermint oil is effective, easy to use, safe, cheap, and more acceptable for those whose topical and systemic treatments tend to be irritating, contraindicated, or less well tolerated.
Peppermint oil is also an effective treatment option against scalp conditions such as dandruff or eczema because of its anti-inflammatory properties on the skin.
How to Use Essential Oils for Skin Itching
The best way to use essential oils for itchy skin is to dilute the desired oil (with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil) and massage it onto the affected areas of your skin.
You can also add a few drops in bathwater if you want a soothing effect while soaking in the bathtub – or you can diffuse the oils to help relieve discomfort on the skin.
You should avoid direct application because this may be too strong for the skin; instead, try adding some into carrier oils like olive oil before any topical application. I can’t say this enough!
Essential Oil Recipe for Itchy Skin
- 5 drops Lavender
- 4 drops German Chamomile
- 3 drops Tea Tree
- 3 drops Geranium
- 3 drops Peppermint
- 2 tbsp carrier oil (coconut, olive, etc)
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- Mix ingredients thoroughly in a glass bottle (preferably dark). Cover bottle tightly and shake well. Apply oil mixture to affected areas and store the rest for later. Repeat as needed.
Conclusion
Essential oils are a great way to soothe skin itchiness. Lavender oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation that causes skin itchiness. Peppermint oil is also beneficial in reducing inflammation and has a cooling effect, which can be soothing for itchy skin.
Try using the above-listed essential oils for skin itching topically to see if you get relief.
Caution! Now although essential oils are natural, natural isn’t always safe and you need to be careful. So, before using essential oils to treat skin itching and before starting any new treatment regimen, please consult with your doctor.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5066694/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2833428/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931201/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5878871/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28707186/ Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science Alexandra R Vaughn , Ashley K Clark , Raja K Sivamani , Vivian Y Shi