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Eczema research
Evaluation of
Aromatherapy to help treat childhood eczema
Childhood eczema is becoming an increasingly common condition affecting .
According to the National Eczema Society (UK), up to one fifth of all
children of school age in the UK have eczema, along with about one in
twelve of the adult population. The severity of the disease can vary. In
mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the
skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. Although it can sometimes look
unpleasant, eczema is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of
eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to
flare-ups and need extra care.
However, apart from it being irritating to the child, eczema can cause
sleepless nights for the parents as well as the child, and this can lead
to relationship difficulties in the home and affect the parents'
employment. For this reason, researchers are continually reviewing
treatments which can help help childhood eczema. One solution recently
considered by the School of Applied Science, South Bank University,
London, UK was Aromatherapy - therapeutic massage incorporating a blend of
aromatherapy essential oils.
A group of eight children, all born
to professional working mothers, were studied to test the hypothesis that
aromatherapy, used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with normal
medical treatment, would help to alleviate the symptoms of childhood
atopic eczema.
The children were randomly assigned
to one of two groups; the first group received aromatherapy (massage with
essential oils). The essential oils, chosen by the mothers for their
child, from 36 commonly used aromatherapy oils, were: sweet -marjoram,
frankinsence, German chamomile, myrrh, thyme, benzoin, spike lavender and
Litsea cubeba.
The second group was used as a
control and these children received the counselling and massage without
essential oils. Both groups received counselling and and a massage by the
therapist once a week and the mother every day for a period of 8 weeks.
The treatments were evaluated by
daily day-time irritation scores and night time disturbance scores,
determined by the mother before and during the treatment. General
improvement scores were allocated two weeks after the treatment by the
therapist, the general practitioner and the mother.
The results showed a significant
improvement in the eczema in both of the groups of children following
therapy, but there was no significant difference in improvement shown
between the aromatherapy massage and massage only group. The report
therefore concluded that 'there is evidence that tactile contact between
mother and child benefits the symptoms of atopic eczema but there is no
proof that adding essential oils is more beneficial than massage alone'.
Further studies on the essential oil
massage group showed a deterioration in the eczematous condition after two
further 8 week periods of therapy, following a period of rest after the
initial period of contact. This may have been due to a decline in the
novelty of the treatment, or, possibly allergic contact dermatitis
provoked by the essential oils themselves. The researchers conclude that
prolonged studies with aromatherapy essential oils are needed as
short-term beneficial results could be overturned by adverse effects after
repeated usage.
Another point that this study
highlights is that people who wish to use aromatherapy essential oils
should consult a professionally trained aromatherapist rather than
self-prescribe, as these oils can cause harm if used incorrectly.
Source:
Phytother Res
2000 Sep;14(6):452-456Evaluation
of Aromatherapy to help treat childhood eczema
Anderson C, Lis-Balchin M, Kirk-Smith M
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