Essential Oils for Topical Steroid Withdrawal
Essential oils is being used as an anecdotal solution for its potential role in managing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). Essential oils have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. Modern science is now catching up and beginning to understand how these oils may be beneficial to our health. There are many different types of essential oils, and each has its own unique set of health benefits. TSW is a complex illness and more research is required around the efficacy of essential oils.
Topical steroid withdrawal is a complex health phenomena that can be described as a series of symptoms associated with the gradual or abrupt cessation of topical corticosteroid use. Symptoms of TSW can include red, itchy, and inflamed skin, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. There is no known cure for TSW, but throughout Facebook groups and online communities, some people are suggesting that essential oils can help to relieve the symptoms. Please keep reading before you attempt to use essential oils to assist with Topical Steroid Withdrawal.
Essential oils for Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and Psoriasis are the most common underlying skin conditions of people with Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Although it is difficult to separate the symptoms of TSW from Eczema and Psoriasis, communities online are suggesting the use of Essential oils to potentially improve their symptoms.
What are Essential oils?
Essential oils are natural compounds that are extracted from plants. These aromatic compounds are thought to offer a variety of health benefits when used in aromatherapy or topically.
There are many different types of essential oils available, each with its own unique aroma and therapeutic properties. Some of the most popular essential oils include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon.
What are the benefits of Essential oils for eczema?
Essential oils have a number of beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. These properties make essential oils a good potential alternative treatment for eczema.
There are a number of different essential oils that may be used to treat eczema. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Chamomile essential oil: This oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help soothe eczema flare-ups.
- Lavender essential oil: This oil is known for its calming effects. It may help reduce the itching and irritation associated with eczema.
- Melaleuca essential oil: Also known as tea tree oil, this oil has powerful antimicrobial properties that may help fight infection and promote healing.
- Rosehip seed oil: This oil is rich in essential fatty acids that may help repair the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
- Tea tree oil: It has been demonstrated that tea tree oil works well as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medication. Researchers evaluated different herbs and minerals for treating contact dermatitis in a research study and discovered that tea tree oil was the most successful.
Can Essential oils help with psoriasis?
Only a few studies have looked at essential oils as a psoriasis treatment. The majority of the information is of anecdotal origin.
Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil and lavender oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the redness, itching, and inflammation associated with psoriasis. Other essential oils, such as frankincense oil and myrrh oil, are believed to have healing properties that may help to repair damaged skin cells and promote new cell growth.
Despite not being a core essential oil, coconut oil possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that may reduce psoriasis pain. It is viewed as a mild component by many. As a result, it’s frequently suggested as a treatment for scalp psoriasis. The skin and scales are moisturized by the oil.
It is not advised to use essential oils as the main or initial treatment for psoriasis. They should only be used in conjunction with your regular treatment plan.
How are Essential Oils used for eczema and psoriasis?
Essential oils are thought to work in two ways: through aromatherapy and through topical application.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for their scent. When you inhale the aroma of an essential oil, it’s thought to stimulate the part of your brain that controls your mood and emotions.
This may help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve your overall mood.
Topical application is another way to use essential oils. When you apply an essential oil directly to your skin, it’s thought to be absorbed into your bloodstream and offer a variety of health benefits.
For example, peppermint essential oil is often used topically to help relieve muscle pain.
You can also dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or almond oil and apply them to the skin.
If you’re using essential oils for the first time, it’s important to do a patch test first to make sure you’re not allergic to them. To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the oil to a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction.
If you have eczema, essential oils may be a helpful addition to your treatment plan. Talk to your doctor or a naturopathic doctor to find out which oil is right for you.
Does Essential oils help with Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Essential oils have not been specifically studied or proven to assist in people with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Although anecdotally, some people suggest it may help with TSW, we are collecting information to understand if there is a trend of success with essential oils.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a highly complex health condition caused by an adverse reaction to the cessation of prescribed steroid creams. Because TSW is an iatrogenic illness, currently there is no known cure, standardized medical treatment, or support for sufferers. Many people suffering with Topical Steroid Withdrawal are turning to online groups and Facebook forums to try an array of products, therapies and solutions to manage their inflammation of their skin during this withdrawal period from topical steroids. The challenge we are seeing is that there is no tracking of the efficacy of essential oils and other anecdotal solutions.
At TSW Assist, we are aiming to discover the collective efficacy of anecdotal recommendations from the TSW community. We hope to identify trending solutions that may be helpful in assisting with the symptoms experienced during topical steroid withdrawal.
Learn more about the crowd-sourced solutions and treatments for topical steroid withdrawal that are trending as helpful.
More research is required to understand the benefits of Essential oils for TSW
If you are considering using essential oils for Topical Steroid Withdrawal, it is important to understand that more research is needed to understand its efficacy. Although some people may have success with essential oils in treating their eczema or psoriasis, further clinical studies are required for TSW.
Through the TSW Assist website, we hope to share crowd-sourced information on the efficacy or inefficacy of essential oils in helping TSW, as well as other solutions that may help.
If you are unsure, please speak to a healthcare professional before using essential oils for topical steroid withdrawal.
Solutions for Managing Topical Steroid Withdrawal