Though they may not cure the itching, especially if it is due to an underlying skin condition, they may calm it up to an extent. This article explains how essential oils help relieve itching and ways to use them. Keep reading.
2. Chamomile Oil
Roman chamomile oil is used in cosmetic products for its skin-soothing and softening effects. It is often used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. It can relieve skin irritation, bruises, and bacterial infections that may cause skin discomfort and itching (2).
3. Tea Tree Oil
It is a strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent and is known to soothe and heal acne. Tea tree oil effectively reduces dandruff and scalp itchiness and is a part of traditional medicine to relieve skin discomfort, heal wounds, and soothe rashes and insect bites. It is quite popular as a cosmetic ingredient and is found in many topical skin care products and ointments (3).
4. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is effective against a wide array of skin issues, such as abscesses, blisters, boils, bacterial infections, burns, cuts, eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections, insect bites, skin inflammation, stings, psoriasis, rosacea, and wounds. It is quite effective against S. aureus bacteria, which cause acne, boils, and folliculitis. These skin conditions are known to create itching on the skin in varying degrees (4).
5. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil works as a healing agent for problematic skin. It can relieve dry and damaged skin, minimize wrinkles, and soothe acne, skin discomfort, and itching caused by dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and other fungal infections (4).
6. Helichrysum Oil
This oil promotes skin cell regeneration and soothes damaged skin, eczema, sores, and inflammation. It relieves itching and other inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis (4).
7. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is used in wound dressings to reduce the risk of infections and promote healing. It has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe acne (4). Eucalyptus is also used in traditional remedies to relieve itchiness caused by bug bites and allergic reactions.
8. Geranium Oil
Geranium is a flowering plant that belongs to the Pelargonium species. The essential oil extracted from the plants of this species has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is effective in minimizing wound healing and soothing acne by reducing bacteria proliferation. It can heal cracked skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea and regulate sebum production. It is best suited for mature and dry skin (4).
9. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass plant is a natural insect repellant. Its leaves and extracts are widely used to soothe insect bites and itching caused by rashes and allergic reactions. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it can regulate excess sebum production and relieve fungal infections and acne(4).
10. Bergamot Oil
A study found that applying bergamot oil, combined with UVB therapy, can reduce the severity of psoriasis, improve collagen content, and promote hair growth (5). Anecdotal evidence claims that it has a soothing and cooling effect on the skin. It helps in repigmentation in vitiligo and reduces post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. However, like any citrus oil, bergamot oil can cause photosensitivity and make your skin vulnerable to sun damage.
11. Myrrh Oil
Myrrh oil is traditionally used in the treatment of various skin wounds and allergies. It is a popular remedy to relieve itching. Myrrh oil and extracts have anti-inflammatory effects and can inhibit histamine, a chemical associated with our immune response and triggers itching (6).
12. Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil has antioxidant properties to soothe the skin, maintain its structural integrity, and has anti-inflammatory properties to relieve UV-induced skin damage, including photoaging. A study shows that 12% patchouli oil can control skin infections and odor in patients with ulcers, abrasions, and torn skin (7).
13. Camphor Oil
The pleasant fragrance of camphor oil may provide sensory relief. It also has therapeutic benefits when used topically. It can relieve itching, dryness, and discomfort associated with atopic dermatitis (8).
14. Witch Hazel Oil
Bug bites, inflammation, itching, acne – a bottle of witch hazel is a traditional home remedy for almost all skin-related issues. Witch hazel bark contains 10% tannins, giving it its astringent properties, while the leaves contain proanthocyanidins and ellagitannins. It works as an antibacterial agent that can alleviate acne and inflammation. It also contains polyphenols and has antioxidant properties to soothe irritated skin (9). Unlike other plant oils, you cannot (and should not) apply essential oils directly to your skin. They are highly concentrated and may irritate the skin and aggravate your condition. You need to dilute them in the right proportion. Find out how in the next section.
How To Use Essential Oils For Itch Relief
Dilute essential oils with any carrier oil before application. You can use any plant oil like avocado, sesame, coconut, olive, sweet almond, and jojoba oils. A 1% dilution is recommended for facial application or long-term use. In case you plan to use essential oils quite often, follow this measurement: A 2% dilution is good for spot treatments or for whole-body application. Before using, do a patch test to check for allergic reactions. Always start with the lowest concentration of essential oil. Massage the affected area with the oil blend and leave it on for at least 15 minutes before washing off. You can leave it overnight if your skin feels fine. Avoid going outside in the sun after applying essential oils as some oils (like citrus oils) can cause photosensitivity. Here are a few tips to ensure safe application.
Safety Tips For Using Essential Oils
Always consult a doctor if you experience any reactions. Check out the risk factors below.
Side Effects And Risks Of Using Essential Oils For Itch Relief
Essential oils can cause mild to severe side effects. They include:
Irritation and burning sensation Breathing issues (if you have a sensitive nose or asthma) Headache (due to the potent fragrance) Redness Rashes Hives Itching
Can you mix too many essential oils together? While there is currently no restriction to mixing too many essential oils, it is best to practice caution while mixing them as they may cause an allergic reaction. Can I mix lavender and peppermint essential oils? Yes, you can mix a few drops of lavender and peppermint essential oils to help improve sleep quality (10). Which essential oils should never be mixed together? You should ideally avoid mixing citrus oils as they may cause photosensitivity (an unusual reaction to the sun).
