Make gathering with loved ones a priority. Occupational allergy to lavender oil. (2011, July). Research suggests that using a blend of oils, including eucalyptus, for infections of the upper respiratory tract leads to a significant and immediate improvement in symptoms. Price, S. & Price, L. (2007). Many citrus oils contain furocoumarins, which can cause chemical burns when exposed to the suns UV rays. Tea tree oil reduces histamine‐induced skin inflammation [Abstract]. We avoid using tertiary references. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. A review on peppermint oil. You should pay attention to the following factors. What Are the Best Essential Oils for Acne? If you notice that an oil has changed color, smell, or texture, its best to throw it away and buy a fresh bottle. Refer to the section "How do I choose and use essential oils?" You may repeat to check for allergic sensitivity. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The allergen triggers your body to start producing antibodies, which produce chemicals to attack the allergen. Choi, S. Y., & Park, K. (2016, March 13). Irritation is characterized by a rapid onset redness and pain in the skin exposed to the essential oil. DOI: Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Absolutely, say doctors and aromatherapists. Always choose high-quality oils from a reputable source. It may also be beneficial for people with asthma. A small proportion of people may experience skin irritation, allergic reactions, or cross-sensitivity to essential oils. Allergic reactions are also common. DOI: Vigan M. (2010). To do this, a person should add 20 drops of essential oil and a tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of water. (2006). So its important to keep essential oils stored safely out of reach of babies and children. Are certain essential oils more likely to cause allergic reactions? DOI: de Groot AC, et al. What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to essential oils? These oils are. Abdullah, D., Ping, Q., Liu, G. (1996). Today, practitioners can rub oil-infused lotions on the skin, where the compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream. In 2014, the FDA sent warning letters to two direct-selling companies -- doTERRA and Young Living -- for making unsubstantiated claims that their oils could treat everything from herpes to Ebola. But for weeks, each time the sun hit her skin even briefly, it returned. Essential oil bottle with orange slices and lavendar. However, a successful patch test doesnt mean that you wont develop an allergy or experience a reaction after future use. Meanwhile, some essential oils, like eucalyptus, contain compounds called phenol that can irritate the respiratory tract if inhaled, particularly for babies. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. The suspected culprit: A toxic reaction to essential oils. We include products we think are useful for our readers. People with seasonal allergies may relieve congestion by adding a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water and breathing in the vapors. Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday. (2000). Aug. 8, 2017 -- When Rachael Armstrong first started using essential oils last year she, as she puts it, dove right in., Each morning, she placed a drop of frankincense oil, which some say is an immune booster, under her tongue. Phototoxicity of essential oils intended for cosmetic use. (2003, November). If no irritation develops during the 24 hours, its likely safe for you to use the diluted essential oil. Again, old or altered essential oils are more likely to produce skin reactions (Tisserand & Balacs, 1995). Blueair makes air purifiers that use slightly different filtering technology than HEPA air purifiers. This doesnt necessarily mean that essential oils are totally safe. Food & Chemical Toxicology, 44(5), 616-625. Studies also show that tea tree and oregano oils can fight microbes, making them popular treatments for dandruff and toe fungus. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. A patch test allows you to see how your skin reacts to a substance before using it more widely. By morning, her eyes were swollen shut and the oozing welts on her neck burned. One study reports that frankincense exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in bronchitis, which causes inflammation of the airways, and sinus infections. And some have hormone-like properties that studies suggest could harm children and pregnant women. It is advisable to speak to a doctor before beginning treatment with essential oils. If you have acne and are looking for an alternative to drugstore and prescription acne treatments, you might consider essential oils. It is possible to be allergic to essential oils. This can happen anytime after the first exposure to an essential oil, and usually presents as an itchy rash or hives. If you choose to use a photosensitive essential oil, avoid exposing your skin to UV rays for at least 12 hours. Follow the instructions for use carefully. . (2015). The most common allergic skin reactions caused by essential oils are contact dermatitis, which manifests most commonly as an itchy rash, and contact urticaria, which triggers hives following exposure. Armstrong is among a small but growing number of consumers turning up with chemical burns, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and other side effects from the popular aromatic plant extracts. (2016, January 4). But thanks to a growing number of studies showing how they work, the oils are being used more in hospitals and clinics for stress relief, pain and nausea relief, and even to prevent bedsores. (1989). Make sure you cap them tightly to prevent oxidation. Menthol-one of the major chemicals in peppermint oil-has caused breathing to stop in young children, and has caused severe jaundice in babies with G6PD deficiency (a common genetic enzyme deficiency) (Price & Price, 1999). A ratio of 2 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil is recommended. Essential oils are among the most popular natural remedies for allergies. Essential oils are often hailed as natural wonders. Effect of citrus lemon oil on growth and adherence of Streptococcus mutans [Abstract]. A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. The oil can be applied directly to the skin, or added to baths, lotions, and other skin products. They may also react after inhaling aromatherapy not even meant for them. "However, a long list of essential oils can cause an allergic reaction, including bay oil, cassia oil, holy basil oil, lemongrass oil, lemon myrtle oil, massoia oil, may chang oil, Melissa oil, oakmoss absolute, and opoponax oil," she notes. Seasonal allergies can affect people during summer or winter, or all-year round. Or they can diffuse them into the air where, once inhaled, they bind to smell receptors and stimulate the central nervous system, says Joie Power, PhD, a neuropsychologist and aromatherapist who has taught nurses how to use the oils for decades. Contact sensitivity is a type of allergic reaction. Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010, November 1). (n.d.). They may oxidize, which increases the potential that they could cause an allergic reaction or other problem. In aromatherapy, essential oils are usually diffused into the air and inhaled, or diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis following exposure to essential oils [Abstract]. For inhalation, use intermittent exposure (not more than 15 minutes in an hour). When should I call for medical assistance? Some oils can make skin allergies worse. Lemon essential oil can also inhibit bacterial activity. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include watery eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and chest congestion. Here are the most common types of allergic reactions and the symptoms of each: Contact dermatitis is an itchy, red rash that develops when certain substances touch your skin directly. Each essential oil must be tested separately. Essential oils are natural products, but this doesnt mean that they are free from health risks. Essential oils, part IV: Contact allergy [Abstract]. Because the FDA does not test oils for how well they work and safety before they're sold, its critical for consumers to go with a trusted brand. In the past year, retail sales of essential oils soared 38%, with consumers spending more than $1 billion on oils and accessories, according to market research firm SPINS. How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly. The safest bet during pregnancy: Work with a professional who knows how to use them or skip them altogether, Power says. Shrivastava, A. DOI: Gould Soloway RA. Allergic reactions are quite common. Essential oils, part I: Introduction [Abstract]. We just dont know for sure what is safe, so check with your healthcare provider and talk with a certified aromatherapist if youre pregnant or breastfeeding. It also reduces inflammation, with research finding that tea tree oil applied topically significantly decreases swelling from histamine-induced skin inflammation when compared to paraffin oil. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to essential oils can vary based on the person and how they use the oils. Overuse can also lead to an allergy over time, Bailey says. Everything you need to know about allergies. Allergic reactions range from mild to life-threatening, and they result in symptoms that usually affect your nose, lungs, throat, skin, stomach, sinuses, or ears. In one study, it was found that a lemon-based nasal spray helped in the treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. In this article, we look at the evidence behind using, An allergic reaction on the face can cause symptoms, such as red, raised bumps, swollen lips, and wheezing. Antispasmodic effect of Mentha piperita essential oil on tracheal smooth muscle of rats [Abstract]. Contact Dermatitis, 38, 289-290. Phototoxicity can occur after you apply an essential oil topically and then go out into the sun. While you can have a reaction to nearly any oil if it prompts an immune response in your body, Dr. Palm says that Ylang-Ylang, lemongrass, cinnamon bark, tea tree, jasmine absolute, balsam of Peru, clover, and sandalwood are among the most common essential oils to illicit an allergic contact dermatitis. Essential oils can be breathed directly from the bottle or by putting a drop or two on a handkerchief. All rights reserved. Follow these dilution guidelines and choose a high-quality carrier oil. Jessica Krant, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York City. This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products. Applying a cold, wet compress to your skin can feel soothing. Essential oils as novel human skin penetration enhancers. For nighttime allergy relief, a person can add 5 drops of essential oil to their pillow. (2012, October 16). Peppermint, frankincense, eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, tea tree, and chamomile oil are all available for purchase online. For skin applications, that usually means concentrations no higher than 5%. In general, however, similar cautions during pregnancy and infancy/early childhood should be used with essential oils as with other substances. Contact allergy to essential oils: Current patch test results (2000-2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) [Abstract]. New York: Churchill Livingstone. It may also relieve the itching and swelling associated with eczema when mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically. Its rash is usually more painful than itchy and gets worse the longer youre exposed to the substance. With all these risks involved, are they still worth a try? However, a 2010 review of patch test results and a 2012 review of case studies identified the following essential oils as being more likely to cause skin irritation: Also consider whether your carrier oil could cause skin irritation. 2004-2022 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. People with skin allergies and symptoms such as itching, hives, and rashes can apply the oil to their skin. If youre diffusing essential oils, you may experience nasal symptoms such as: If you have asthma, consult your doctor before diffusing essential oils. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27117114, http://www.aafa.org/page/allergy-facts.aspx, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2967840/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808543/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20488237, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/404606/abs/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14522434, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12452873, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2833428/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23381618, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237842903_A_REVIEW_ON_PEPPERMINT_OIL, https://sleepfoundation.org/bedroom/smell.php, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24909715, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20865268, HIV: Fourth, and oldest patient yet enters remission after cell transplant, Mystery child hepatitis: Clues point to once 'harmless' virus as potential cause, How does COVID-19 affect the heart? Using essential oils around children and during pregnancy is highly controversial and should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Aromatherapy for health professionals, 3rd Ed. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. If in doubt, always consult a healthcare provider you trust who is knowledgeable about essential oils or willing to investigate with you. It must be noted that, due to its potency, tea tree oil may induce allergic contact dermatitis in some people. Phototoxic contact dermatitis from 5-methoxypsoralen in aromatherapy oil. The extent of the reaction may seem out of proportion to the amount of exposure. A., Soares, P. M., de Almeida, A. N., Maia, A. R., de Souza, E. P., & Assreuy, A. M. (2010, July 20). "You can minimize the chance of developing an allergic contact dermatitis to an essential oil by following age-related safety guidelines and not using highly concentrated (no more than five percent, but many times, this should be much less) or undiluted essential oils," adds Dr. Palm, noting that they're often better received on hydrated skin (so go ahead and pop them in the bath). Place a bandage over the patch, and keep the area dry for 24 hours. Then one night after sitting in the sun at a baseball game, she spotted a rash on her neck and arms. If her head hurt, she dabbed calming peppermint oil on her temples. Others have shown that lavender oil can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and inhaling lemongrass aroma before a stressful event can prevent anxiety. Related: These Beauty Brands Are Perfect for Those with Sensitive Skin, The answer to this question involves first understanding the differences between an allergic reaction and an irritant reaction. Ferrara, L., Naviglio, D., & Caruso, A. DOI: Dijoux N, et al. Lee, S.-H., Heo, Y., & Kim, Y.-C. (2010, March 3). Taking in larger amounts of certain oils -- like tea tree oil, wintergreen, and camphor -- can lead to throat swelling, a racing heart, vomiting, and even seizures, says the Tennessee Poison Center, which saw the number of toxic essential oil exposures double from 2011 to 2015. Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? People should bear in mind the following guidelines when using essential oils: Essential oils are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and so should be used with caution. Fast facts on essential oils for allergies: Al-Yasiry, A. R., & Kiczorowska, B. If none occurs after 24 hours, it should be safe to use. Always do a skin test for allergic reactions before applying to larger areas. Hives (urticaria) have many possible triggers, including food, medication, insect stings, infections, and more. Consumers can report bad reactions to the agency. (2002). It is possible to be allergic to these. Thus, if you really like the essential oil that seemed to cause the skin irritation, you might try a different brand (following the guidelines given previously for choosing essential oils). de Sousa, A. We have you covered. B. Ueno-Iio, T., Shibakura, M., Yokota, K., Aoe, M., Hyoda, T., Shinohata, R., Kataoka, M. (2014, July 17). Essential oils: Poisonous when misused. These oils can cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of harmful blistering or burning. There may not be any safety information on the bottle, but usage guidelines may be posted near sales displays, on company websites, or available through company sales representatives. According to other research, the oil may also help treat anxiety and mental fatigue, symptoms that are often experienced by allergy sufferers. It can occur with the first exposure. In March, Elise Nguyen of Wisconsin shared a Facebook post showing the third-degree burns she got after applying doTERRA citrus essential oils and then going to a hot yoga session and a tanning bed. (2012). Hajhashemi, V., Ghannadi, A., & Sharif, B. Mix a very small amount of essential oil/carrier at twice the concentration you plan to use. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether its safe for you to use essential oils and the best practices for doing so. This article looks at several carrier oil options and their various, Essential oils are a popular home remedy for many ailments, but can they soothe a sore throat? If you are someone who is taking a lot of prescription medication and/or has a lot of allergies, you should do a patch test by following the instructions below to check for skin irritation and sensitivity before using each essential oil. Essential oils are often hailed as natural wonderssome allegedly promote increased focus, while others soothe anxiety. Vigan M. (2010). Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., & Nielsen, J. Putting essential oils in your eyes or accidentally touching your eyes after handling essential oils can result in: If you suspect that youre having an allergic reaction to an essential oil, stop using it immediately. Some oils, such as lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree, can help kill molds and dust mites, both of which are common allergens that trigger symptoms. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Essential oils can serve as a beneficial part of your wellness or beauty routines, as long as you know how to use them properly. Mortimer S, et al. swollen throat or other swollen body parts. Most oils should be mixed with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or sweet almond oil before application. The mixture can then be used to spray on bathroom fittings and other areas prone to mold, and on to mattresses and other textiles to kill dust mites. Irritant contact dermatitis isnt a true allergic reaction. All Rights Reserved. Once you become sensitized, you will forever be allergic to it, Bailey says. Koh, K. J., Pearce, A. L., Marshman, G., Finlay‐Jones, J. J., & Hart, P. H. (2002, December). Those who fall within the "atopic triad"or those with atopic dermatitis, eczema, seasonal allergies, and asthmaare much more likely to develop allergic contact dermatitis. For pregnant women, even oils used on your skin can cross the placental barrier and impact an unborn baby. Lavender is an especially good option for skin allergies, as it is gentle on the skin and calms irritation, with research indicating that it speeds up healing. They play a central role in aromatherapy, which is a type of holistic health treatment that promotes health and well-being. Its possible to experience an allergic reaction from using them, for example. But you have to choose wisely, and you cannot use them indiscriminately.. Toxicity rarely occurs with appropriate use of essential oils and is primarily attributed to misuse and accidental ingestion, especially in young children. (2016). Assessment of the phototoxic hazard of some essential oils using modified 3T3 neural red uptake assay [Abstract]. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, affecting approximately 50 million people. In general, however, essential oils are safe when used externally (not ingested) in low concentrations. And, as Armstrong cautions, dont take too much comfort in the term natural.. Remember, however, that allergies can develop any time after the first exposure; thus absence of a reaction does not necessarily mean that an allergy will not develop with later exposures. Essential oils are very safe and effective if used properly for addressing routine health challenges. If you get essential oil in your eyes, flush your eyes with cool water and seek medical advice. Brandao, F. M. (1986). DOI: Bleasel N, et al. Call your doctor if your symptoms persist or get worse. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Enhancing the effect of essential oils on the penetration of 5-fluorouracil through rat skin. (2011). This method is especially beneficial for treating the symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as other respiratory conditions. We recommend that you never eat or drink essential oils. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Its a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, which means that you might not notice symptoms until 12 to 72 hours after exposure. In a statement, doTERRA said it was saddened by the womans ordeal, that safety is a top priority for the company, and that its rate of bad reactions is almost negligible, with .0072 percent of users reporting bad reactions. Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. Very gentle essential oils, such as true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are sometimes used by midwives during and after labor and delivery with favorable effects (Burns et al., 2000). I would certainly advise teens and children not to use essential oils, says Jessica Krant, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York. Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth? Children and pregnant and breastfeeding women should only use essential oils under the guidance of a qualified professional. What are the best options? DOI: Uter W, et al. Experiencing an anaphylactic reaction to essential oils is rare, but possible. for more information on dilution and carrier oils. Always store essential oils out of reach of children, in bottles with single-drop dispensers. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home! Just do your homework first. Botanicals in dermatology: Essential oils, botanical allergens, and current regulatory practices [Abstract].