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Aromatherapy/contact dermatitis
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Question
I have suffered with contact dermatitis for over 30 years. I have been to countless doctors who have prescribed lotions and creams with little results. My dermatitis affects my perineum with redness and severe itching. Do you have any suggestions to help me?
Thank you for your question Patricia.
Unfortunately I can't think of any cures for your condition. However it may be that essential oils could help to alleviate the symptoms. They also help to strengthen the immune system and their long term effects are potent.
There are only two oils I would recommend you try and they are Roman Chamomile and Lavender. These are both very gentle and soothing and non irritant.
I would either blend one or two drops of each in a plain unperfumed cream base or dissolving the same amount in a vegetable oil for direct application.
You can also dissolve the oils in unperfumed bath foam and put in the bath.
Another suggestion would be that you put the diluted oil mixture into a small spray diffuser and spray it on directly.All applications can be as often as you like.
Lavender and Chamomile can be applied to very sensitive skin, providing they are pure essential oil and not a synthetic reproduction, or a blend of oils, in which case there may be another element in the blend that would cause further irritation.
You should apply the oils once a day to start with to see what your reaction is. I would advise even just applying Lavender for one application and then maybe Chamomile for the next,and then the two together, so that the body doesn't get too used to the oils. Never use more than one or two drops of each oil at a time.Always dilute them in some kind of base - although I can say that I have applied Lavender neat with good effect even onto very sensitive skin when burning or itching is severe. In your case I would try a little on some less affected skin first to see how it feels. it certainly won't harm you.Lavender takes the heat out of things - giving a lovely cooling effect. It is also good against itching and is antiseptic.However don't apply any other essential oil without diluting first.
It sounds as if your immune system is weak if you have suffered from this condition for so long. If I was treating you in person, I would be looking at stress factors in your life as well as your living and working environment - but then I imagine you may have heard all this before !
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions. I wish you all the best.
Judy
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Judy Frayne
Expertise
I specialise in the mixing of oils. Every problem has a different solution depending on the underlying causes.A simple headache could be caused for a number of different reasons. Tracking down the origins of a problem is the first step. I can then advise on the correct oils to use,how to buy them and the methods with which they can be applied. I can also recommend other complimentary techniques for self help with many physical and emotional problems. Feel free to ask about: Skin disorders - eczema, psoriasis,atheletes foot Muscular aches and pains - arthritis, neck and shoulder tension. Painkilling - headaches, chronic pain, backache. Digestive disorders - IBS, constipation. Stress - depression, anxiety, grief, anger, concentration. Medicine cupboard - bites, stings, cuts, bruises,burns. Babies and childrens - tummy aches, colds, sleep problems. And many more !
Experience
I have been a qualified aromatherapist for twelve years, working in my own premises as well as mobile visiting. My clients have been varied - ranging from babies to the elderly and sadly,the terminally ill. Whilst many clients simply wish to use aromatherapy to promote a feeling of well being and keep themselves relaxed and healthy - I have had much experience of clients with specific needs. These are just as wide ranging - from skin disorders to back problems on the physical side - to the emotional and spiritual side of things and problems such as coping with grief and bereavement or helping combat anger and stress.
I use a mixture of techniques including reflexology. I believe that aromatherapy is a very simple and natural method of self help that can compliment conventional techniques. I am passionate about passing on safe and sensible advice so that more people feel confident to try aromatherapy for themselves.
Aromatherapy is not always a cure - but it's potency should never be underestimated. It can help, it can be life changing - and it's certainly worth trying
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