Eczema and dermatitis are terms that can apply to a range of persistent skin conditions, which may include dryness and skin rashes that exhibit itching, crusting, blistering, cracking, flaking, bleeding or oozing. Eczema is commonly treated with corticosteroids by conventional doctors; but Western medicine does not always have success treating eczema. Herbs and other natural substances, such as tea tree essential oil, have been found to be very effective for people who have not experienced success with traditional methods of treating their eczema. If eczema is chronic or fails to improve, contact your doctor or holistic care practitioner so that more serious health issues may be ruled out. And always consult a health care provider first before administering tea tree oil.
Tea Tree Bath
Add 10 drops tea tree essential oil and 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil to warm bath water and soak eczema-affected areas for at least 20 minutes to deliver the antiseptic skin-soothing benefits of tea tree essential oil to large areas of the body. This soak can be repeated up to three times each day. Keep essential oils in their pure form away from homeopathic medications as most volatile essential oils can reduce effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.
Tea Tree Oil
Skin affected with eczema tends to be dryer than healthy skin. Use 1/2 cup carrier oil of your choice, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil, and add 20 drops of tea tree essential oil to it. Apply the infused oil directly to eczema twice a day. Always test a small area of skin to assess possible allergic reaction or sensitivity to a specific essential oil.
Tea Tree Cream
Tea tree essential oil can aid the nutrients of natural creams and help them to penetrate deeper into the skin membranes to offer healing to troubled skin. Take care to choose a moisturizer free of chemicals or petroleum products instead of opting for creams that contain natural ingredients. Many types of eczema are allergen-related, which is why it is so important to asses the contents of anything you put on your skin. Add 25 drops of tea tree essential oil to 1 cup selected cream, shaking or stirring vigorously to ensure proper blending. Apply cream to affected areas as needed. This cream can be used with babies and children, if the number of essential oil drops is reduced by half. If essential oils have been ingested without your holistic care provider's recommendation, contact your poison control center immediately.
Straight Tea Tree
Severely irritated or fragile skin may react adversely to straight tea tree essential oil, but in some cases, the soothing antiseptic sensation offered by this powerful plant essence can offer great relief from itching and burning associated with eczema. Add five drops to a cotton ball, and dab directly onto eczema outbreak. Avoid contact with mucous membranes as tea tree essential oil can cause irritation or burning in these areas.
Canine Eczema
Dogs commonly suffer from eczema for all the same reasons humans do: allergies, environmental toxins, stress, diet, genetics, etc. Several commercial products for dogs now contain tea tree oil due to its healing benefits for eczema or "hot spot" related skin problems. You can make your own canine spray with 1 cup distilled water mixed with 20 drops tea tree essential oil. Spray the reddened area twice a day until healed. If your dog has chronic dermatitis, check with your vet to rule out more serious conditions. Do not apply this spray to cats or ferrets, and take care to avoid spraying in your dog's eyes. Always keep essential oils away from children and pets as essential oils can be toxic.
References
- "Benefit of tea tree oil for skin conditions";Ray Sahelian; 2006
- "The Aromatherapy Book"; Jeanne Rose; 1992
- "Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homeade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self" ;Stephanie Tourles;2007
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