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Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Articles
Allergies, contact dermatitis and certain essential oils
If you are one of the unlucky people that have a constant battle with hay fever, asthma, food allergies or any other substance intolerance, you may also unfortunately be more prone to develop contact dermatitis from the use of certain essential oils.
An allergic reaction to pure essential oils is however rare, and in many cases it has been found that most people are more prone to be allergic to synthetic copies of natural essential oils.
Sensitivity to a particular constituent of an essential oil may happen, and prolonged and extensive exposure to the same oil can also cause sensitivity in certain individuals.
For this reason people are advised not to use the same essential oil for extended periods of time, but to rather use different oils.
Some oils are more prone to cause sensitivity and allergic reactions, and it may be wise to look at this list, should you fall into the high risk allergic group, by clicking here.
Should you be using essential oils for the first time, and are worried about an allergic reaction, a skin patch test should be performed, and all other safety precautions should also be viewed and adhered to.
Essential oil and a sensitive skin
Certain essential oils are more inclined to cause skin irritations than other oils, especially if you are predisposed to allergic reactions and generally have a sensitive skin.
If you have a sensitive skin, care should be taken when applying a new oil, or oil blend, and it is advisable to always perform a skin patch test before use.
There are also certain oils that cause severe skin sensitizing and sun sensitivity (phototoxicity) and should be used with great care if you are venturing outdoors.
Some essential oils are known irritants and others again skin sensitizers, and it is not always people with sensitive skins that must be careful of them.
Should skin irritation occur, immediately cease using the particular essential oil or oil blend that you suspect is causing it.
Oils to be careful of if you have a sensitive skin:
Basil
Bay
Benzoin
Birch
Black pepper
Cassia
Cinnamon
Citronella
Clove
Costus
Cumin
Elecampane
Fennel
Fir
Ginger
Lemon
Lemongrass
Lemon verbena
Melissa
Oak moss
Orange
Oregano
Parsley seed
Peppermint
Pimento berry
Pine
Tagetes
Red and wild thyme
Wintergreen
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