Eczema Care - Aromatherapy

My first choice would be our St John’s ointment. It contains Arnica to help with the traumatisation of the skin, Tea-Tree that has been shown (in many cases) to help and St John’s Wort, which is an incredibly soothing and healing oil. If the skin is broken or the condition is more Psoriasis than Eczema then our Split Finger & Heel remedy will often be more effective. I have had good results using this on adults as well as babies. However in both cases, but especially babies, it should be “spot tested” first behind the ear or inside the elbow.

An alternative treatment is to use Almond oil with Essential Oil of Chamomile (often known as “natures steroid”). This appears to work by “damping down” the symptoms and reducing the sufferers “need” to scratch. However the side effect can be drowsiness so it is more suitable as a bed time treatment.

Add 1 drop of Chamomile per tablespoonful of Almond Oil and massage the blend on to the affected areas. Make up fresh every two days.

Also add 2 drops of Chamomile dispersed in a tablespoon full of milk to the bath water. This is assuming the Eczema is not caused by a dairy allergy (a small drop of vodka can be used as an alternative to help the oils disperse).

Chamomile can also be useful in conjunction with either of the above treatments to help calm the sufferer. Just add 2 drops onto the side of the pillow or the front of the night wear and it will be inhaled.

Always consult your GP regarding health problems and do not stop prescriptions without their advice

Additional Note

Children’s eczema on the legs, arms and hands can often be caused by the sticky tree pollen which adheres to play equipment and the bottom of their shoes. Tell tale signs are that the Eczema is worse in the exposed areas of skin that are in contact with the ground or where their shoes rest on their legs when sitting cross legged.

There is some evidence to suggest that covering up legs and arms when the tree and grass pollen is at its worse (June & July) may help. Also dry clothes and bed linen indoors as pollen sticks to damp fabric. Another recommendation which can help is to obtain local honey which contains local pollen and eat small amounts or add to cakes etc during periods when the Eczema is not apparent to help desensitise.

Potions & Possibilities produce the finest therapeutic health and wellbeing products using premium essential oils and 100% gentle ingredients including organic plants, oils and herbal infusions. Our formulations are designed and naturally created to avoid SLS, synthetic parabens and other undesirable chemicals and we do not test on animals. The products, which range from soaps, bath oils and essential oils, to restorative balms and creams including an organic skincare range, are all developed and produced in England by trained and qualified aromatherapist, Julie Foster. We also offer training in beauty and complementary therapies.

Advice courtesy of aromatherapist, Julie Foster, of Potions & Possibilities