When your skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, the result can be redness, itching, flaking, bumps, blisters, and inflammation. The potential irritants are many and can include fabric softener or a sunscreen ingredient. More often than not, simply removing the allergen and treating with home remedies will help your skin recover.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for rashes are:
• Cedarwood
• German chamomile
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Vetiver
Related Conditions
This section refers to temporary rashes, such as those that result from contact with an allergen, rather than chronic conditions, such as eczema. For information on other, more specific rashes, turn to their sections.
There are some great anti-inflammatory and soothing essential oils used with these methods of application that relieve the temporary itch and redness of contact dermatitis.
• Comforting balm. For an itchy, irritated rash, a balm will soothe, protect, and reduce inflammation.
• Soothing soak. For a rash that covers larger portions of the body, a bath with relieving oils will be very satisfying.
• Cool compress. Cold can help reduce itch and inflammation, which makes an oil-infused cool compress a smart solution for discomfort from a rash.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Eat well. Deep-colored foods such as berries and other anti-inflammatory foods—including green tea, turmeric, and ginger—may help reduce reactions and inflammation.
• Soak in oatmeal. Add finely ground oatmeal to a cool bath to help soothe itchy skin.
• Try comfrey. Applying a topical comfrey preparation will reduce inflammation and heal compromised skin.
For relief of the discomfort and irritation of contact dermatitis, these aromatherapy recipes offer solutions that go beyond just relieving the symptoms.
Adding these oils to a warm bath will soothe the skin while relieving tension and stress that may be contributing to the inflammation.
7 drops geranium oil
5 drops cedarwood oil
1 tablespoon coconut or jojoba oil
Combine the oils in a small glass bowl before adding them to a warm bath while the water runs.
Diluting lavender and helichrysum essential oils in nourishing coconut oil is a synergistic combination to heal and soothe.
1 drop lavender oil
1 drop helichrysum oil
2 drops coconut oil
Combine the oils in a small glass bowl. Massage a light layer of the mixture onto the affected area.
To calm the skin before you scratch, try a cool compress infused with this combination of oils that reduce irritation and provide antiseptic protection.
2 drops lavender oil
2 drops helichrysum oil
2 drops vetiver oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup cool or cold water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large bowl, then stir in the water. Soak the washcloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to the affected area. Hold it there until the washcloth comes to room temperature. Repeat the process with a fresh cloth, as needed.