Pure Aromatherapy for Body, Mind & Spirit
5 Best Essential Oils for Swimmer’s Itch
5 Best Essential Oils for Swimmer’s Itch
Swimmer’s itch can be a frustrating problem for anyone who enjoys spending time in the water. Swimmer’s itch is a rash usually caused by an allergic reaction to parasites that burrow into your skin while you’re swimming or wading in warm water. Fortunately, there are a variety of natural remedies that can provide relief. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 essential oils for swimmer’s itch and how to use them to soothe your skin.
Soothing Relief with Tea Tree Essential Oil
What is Tea Tree Essential Oil?
Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it an effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including swimmer’s itch.
How to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil for Swimmer’s Itch
To use tea tree essential oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply directly to the affected area. You can also add a few drops to your bath water for a full-body treatment.
Safety Precautions When Using Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is generally safe for topical use, but it can cause skin irritation in some people. Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin and do a patch test first to make sure you’re not sensitive to it. Maximum skin use level is 15%.
Calming Lavender Essential Oil
What is Lavender Essential Oil
“Lavender oil is the swiss army knife of essential oils. It helps with headaches, vertigo, sleep problems and can ease the itch of bug bites and snake bites. It’s perfect for swimmer’s itch since it’s a natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine. It can also ease the discomfort associated with skin rashes and sunburn.”
– Avery 400, Aromatherapy Expert
How to Use Lavender Essential Oil for Swimmer’s Itch
Use a combination of lavender essential oil and carrier oil on damp skin directly after a shower or bath. You may purchase our lavender essential oil in a pre-diluted ready to use rollon.
Safety Precautions When Using Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is non-toxic, making it safe for all skin types. Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin and do a patch test first to make sure you’re not sensitive to it.
Anti-Inflammatory Chamomile Essential Oil
What is Chamomile Essential Oil?
Chamomile essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the chamomile plant. It has natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that make it an effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including swimmer’s itch.
How to Use Chamomile Essential Oil for Swimmer’s Itch
To use chamomile essential oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or grapeseed oil, and apply directly to the affected area. Chamomile essential oil can also be added to your bath water for a relaxing and soothing full-body treatment.
Safety Precautions When Using Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oil is generally safe for topical use, but it can cause skin irritation in some people. Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin and do a patch test first to make sure you’re not sensitive to it. This oil will leave a stain on clothing if you apply directly to your skin and do not wait before the oil absorbs, add them to your laundry or spill them on clothes or other fabrics.
Cooling Peppermint Essential Oil
What is Peppermint Essential Oil
“Peppermint essential oil is a great choice for swimmer’s itch because it cools your skin and provides instant relief. It has natural analgesic and antipruritic properties, making it a great treatment option for itchy skin.”
– Dr. Lisa Ashe, Medical Director of Be Well Medical Group
How to Use Peppermint Essential Oil for Swimmer’s Itch
Step 1: Identify Affected Area
Determine which areas of your skin are affected by swimmer’s itch.
Step 2: Dilute Peppermint Essential Oil
Dilute peppermint essential oil by mixing a few drops with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or coconut oil.
Step 3: Apply to Affected Area
Apply the diluted peppermint essential oil to the affected area using a cotton ball or your fingertips. Massage gently for 3-5 minutes.
Safety Precautions When Using Peppermint Essential Oil for Swimmer’s Itch
Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin and do a patch test first to make sure you’re not sensitive to it. Maximum skin use level 5.4%. Do not apply to face or near the face of infants or children. Should not be used during pregnancy or if epileptic. Should be kept away from the eyes, and is likely to irritate skin and mucous membranes.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Fast Relief
What is Eucalyptus Essential Oil?
Eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. It has natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make it an effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including swimmer’s itch.
How to Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Swimmer’s Itch
To use eucalyptus essential oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or coconut oil, and apply directly to the affected area. You can also add a few drops to your bath water for a relaxing and soothing full-body treatment.
Safety Precautions When Using Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is generally safe for topical use, but it can cause skin irritation in some people. Always dilute eucalyptus essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin and do a patch test first to make sure you’re not sensitive to it. Avoid if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not use with infants or children under ten years of age.
For Prevention of Swimmer’s Itch Use Fractionated Coconut
Create a waterproof barrier on your skin by applying fractionated coconut oil before entering the water. Fractionated coconut oil, also known as “liquid coconut oil,” is a type of coconut oil that remains liquid even at room temperature and cooler temps.
Other preventions or precautions to avoid swimmers itch are: choose swimming spots carefully, avoid swimming along the shoreline, if possible rinse after swimming, don’t feed the birds near swimming areas, use waterproof sunscreen.
Conclusion
Swimmer’s itch is a frustrating problem, but it’s not something you have to suffer through alone. Essential oils offer a natural and effective way to soothe your skin and reduce the discomfort associated with swimmer’s itch. Whether you prefer tea tree, lavender, chamomile, peppermint, or eucalyptus essential oil, there’s a remedy that’s right for you.
Remember to always dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin and do a patch test first to make sure you’re not allergic or sensitive to them. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical attention.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the CDC or FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.