Skin irritations and infections are quite a common issue nowadays and can come in all different forms. We can go to our General Practitioners (GPs) and get prescribed some steroid creams or ointments and that’s that. I’m sure, in the 15 minute consultation you did not have time to discuss your lifestyle choices, food that you eat and products you use. More often than not, skin irritations get blamed by the environment and external factors. Many people don’t even wonder about the source of the issue to start with.
I suffered from skin allergies when I was in high school. Sometimes it was really bad and other times, it was manageable. I didn’t understand it at the time why I suffered from skin issues and why I was itchy all the time. There are many many reasons why we suffer from skin irritations, so let’s go through the possibilities:
Possible Causes
- Your organs are filled with toxins and cannot perform at optimum level.
- Fungal infection has overrun your body
- Food allergies- such as dairy, wheat, egg, processed food etc
- Reactions to pesticides from certain foods- some food are prone to insects so it is sprayed regularly with harmful chemicals (strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, peaches, pears, grapes, tomatoes…)
- Reactions to toxic chemicals in the house- such as dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, multi-purpose sprays, air fresheners, floor cleaner, window cleaner, bathroom cleaner etc
- Reactions to toxic chemicals used on your face and body- such as medication, shampoo, conditioners, toothpastes, sunscreen, soap, perfume/cologne, deodorant, hand/body soap, makeup, face and body creams, use of plastics (bottles/cups/clingwrap/plates..), hair products and nail polishes etc.
- Environmental factors- such as pollen, dust, pollution, air fresheners, construction/renovations etc.
- Emotional factors- such as frustration, unresolved hurt feelings, unresolved feelings of irritation, desires gone unfulfilled, feeling inadequate or unworthy, unable to flow with life, inner conflicts surfacing, feeling frustrated at not being able to accomplish something etc.
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Tips to Prevent Skin Irritations
Toxins and Fungal infections- Detox your body with the 30 Day Cleanse. If you have been unwell and/or have had skin conditions for a while, a detox every 2 months for about a year would be necessary. Especially if you haven’t had a detox before or have the cleanest lifestyle and have many discomforts in your body. To maintain a clean body, detox every 4-5 months after that. Your body is intelligent and is able to heal itself, so a deep cleanse will have your body functioning at it’s optimum level!
Food Allergies- If you think you may have food allergies, perhaps you should get tested to see what they are. The most common kinds of skin related allergies are from dairy, wheat products, egg and processed foods. If you already know or have an idea what type of food you’re reacting to, I recommend that you avoid it completely for at least 3-4 months to allow your body to reset itself. Sometimes you aren’t aware that you are reacting to a type of food because the symptoms aren’t as obvious. Many naturopaths will be able to assist with allergy tests. I’m not saying to give this a try, but only if you are very very cautious, this was what I did with my eldest daughter. My eldest daughter was very sensitive, had skin irritations all over and was itchy all the time. I discovered that (even while breastfed) that she was allergic to food that I was eating and food when she was old enough to eat, such as egg, tomatoes, wheat and dairy (casein, not lactose). It was definitely difficult to go out to eat as she was allergic to such common food. We didn’t want her to suffer her whole life, so we decided after we avoided food she was allergic to for 4 months, slowly reintroduced one food at a time in tiny portions, gradually increasing it. Then we moved on to the next type of food until that has been reintroduced. We were very cautious and reintroduced the food with the strongest reaction in tiny amounts. And till this day, she is able to eat everything without reactions like she used to have.
Avoid Pesticides- It is difficult to know what kind of food have higher amounts of pesticides, so it’s best of course if we can eat organic only! If that’s not an option, then at least buy these organic: strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, peaches, pears, grapes, tomatoes, cherries, celery, capsicums and potatoes. Here’s the least likely food to be contaminated by pesticides: avocados, pineapples, cabbage, onions, frozen sweet peas, papayas, asparagus, mangos, eggplant, honeydew, kiwi, rockmelon (cantaloupe), cauliflower and grapefruit. The list is from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Avoid Toxic Chemicals in the House- I’m sure most people know that cleaning products they use are somewhat toxic. But most people overlook that as they believe these products kill germs and work efficiently. Almost all cleaning products sold in your regular supermarket are highly toxic. Why do we want a clean house? Is it for hygiene purposes? Or perhaps to ensure it looks spotless? Would you say it is worth risking your health to inhale, touch (absorb) and ingest toxic chemicals that are known to disrupt your hormones and possibly lead to cancer? Not for me it isn’t. As you spray your dinner table, mirror or shower, you and others you live with, will likely inhale the chemicals which goes straight into your lungs and brains. The olfactory system (smelling) is the fastest way to your brain. You will be touching the tables and floors you’ve wiped and then absorbing it into the largest organ, your skin! Your feet has the largest pores and easily absorbs what it touches, quickly entering your bloodstream. Why would we ingest these chemicals? If you sometimes drop your food on the floor, then with the three-second-rule, you pop it back in your mouth, you think surely it won’t kill you! Well, you never know when it will be too much for your body to handle. If you have kids, they are much more prone to eat off the floor. In saying that, the main concern with ingesting chemicals for me are actually from the dishwashing detergent. Your dishes may look clean, but they tend to leave a tiny amount of residue from your detergent. To be on the safe side, use a non-toxic detergent. Natural cleaners work just as well, use ingredients that are naturally anti-bacterial, without that nasty smell! Make the switch!
I use doTERRA’s On Guard Cleaner Concentrate to clean almost everything around my house! It is fortified with the proprietary doTERRA On Guard Protective Blend of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils, which provide natural protection against certain environmental factors while elevating the overall cleaning capability. This powerful essential oil blend is combined with plant-based derivatives that provide a non-toxic and biodegradable way to clean and eliminate odors, so it is safe for loved ones as well as the environment.
Uses
MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER: Mix 2 tbsp of concentrate per 750 mls (24 oz.) of water. Add 5 drops of Peppermint oil with this mix to repel ants, cockroaches and insects into an aluminium or glass spray bottle. You can find the spray bottles in the homewares stores.
BATHROOMS: Mix 3 tbsp of concentrate per 750 mls (24 oz.) of water. You can also add a couple of drops of Tea tree oil (Melaleuca) to this mix as they’re both great for mold.
doTERRA On Guard Foaming Hand Wash is a gentle, healthy alternative to harsh soaps that may dry and irritate sensitive skin. Most soaps in the supermarket are full of toxic chemicals such as triclosan (main ingredient of engine degreasers), SLS (skin irritant, endocrine disrupting, pesticide) perfume/fragrance (thousands of toxic chemicals that disrupts hormones and allergies). I don’t want my family to be exposed to these chemicals if I can help it. That’s why I love On Guard Hand Wash so much, I have a dispenser in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry. One bottle is enough for 2 dispensers.
DoTERRA’s On Guard Laundry Detergent is an ultraconcentrated 6X laundry detergent that utilizes the power of doTERRA On Guard Protective Blend and bio-originated enzymes to target and lift stains for amazingly clean clothes. This small bottle packs a punch with 10 mL of doTERRA On Guard essential oil and the ability to do up to 64 loads of laundry! It is color safe for washable fabrics at all temperatures and is free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and toxins, which makes it a safe choice for your family as well as the environment.
Shop other brands online:
In USA: The Green Life– Is a natural and organic online store that sells non-toxic household products, bath & body products, cosmetics, hair care, clothing, food, beverages and more!
In Australia: Nourished Life– Is toxin-free online store that sells household products, makeup, bath & body products, skincare, haircare, food and more!
Avoid toxic chemicals used on your face and body- such as medication, shampoo, conditioners, toothpastes, sunscreen, soap, perfume/cologne, deodorant, hand/body soap, makeup, face and body creams, use of plastics (bottles/cups/clingwrap/plates..), hair products and nail polishes etc.
I use DoTERRA‘s shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, shower gel, deodorant stick, skincare, face and body creams. It is especially important to me to use the body creams on my children as I want to avoid toxin entering their little bodies as much as possible. Most commercial products like these are full of chemicals that irritate the skin which can also lead to infections.
For safe sunscreens, make-up, natural perfumes, water bottles, and nail polishes, shop here:
- Nourished Life: Nourished life is my favourite Australian online store that has made it their business to check every ingredient in the products they sell, to ensure that it is toxin-free. That way you won’t need to! It makes shopping real easy! You can be a member to get points for discounts and get free shipping in Australia. They also ship worldwide.
- Biome: Also an Australian online store that sells safe makeup and homewares. International shipping is available.
- 100% Pure (AUS) or 100% Pure (USA): They sell toxin-free makeup, skincare, haircare and nail polish.
- The Detox Market (USA/CA): The Detox Market is a clean beauty online store located in the US and Canada. They sell a range of safe makeup, skincare, haircare, perfumes and supplements. They also have a reward program that you can earn points and receive discounts and products.
- Credo Beauty (USA): Sells safe makeup, skincare, bath and body products.
- The Green Life (USA)– Is a natural and organic online store that sells non-toxic household products, bath & body products, cosmetics, hair care, clothing, food, beverages and more!
Reduce reactions to environmental threats- Yes sometimes it is hard to avoid environmental/seasonal threats. What we can do however, is try to prevent a severe reaction to these threats. Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint Oil in equal parts can calm seasonal threats. doTERRA’s TriEase is a seasonal blend with equal parts of Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint oil in softgels to be taken internally. TriEase Softgels were developed to protect against seasonal and environmental elements and to promote a healthy respiratory system when needed most.
Usage: This trio can be used together or separately, is great for kids and those who don’t like to take capsules.
Topically- Rub 1 drop of each oil on the bottoms of your feet, chest and back of neck every 3-4 hours until you feel better. Kids can apply diluted with fractionated coconut oil. **Lemon oil is photosensitive so please don’t use it on skin that will stay out in the sun for a long period of time.
Internally-If you don’t mind the taste, you can drink 1 drop of each in a glass of water .
Aromatically- Diffuse 2 drops of each oil throughout the day.
Use essential oils on the skin- My nappy rash blend or my Itchy Skin Calmer Blend is great to use directly on the skin irritation/infection.
Nappy Rash Blend:
- 15 drops of Lavender
- 7 drops of Meleleuca/Tea Tree
- 3 drops of Roman Chamomile
- 2 drops of Helichrysum
Optional: Instead of Roman Chamomile, you can replace with Peppermint oil to help cool and sooth itchy skin.
This blend is for a 10ml roll-on bottle and is topped up with Fractionated Coconut Oil. It can also be used with doTERRA’s Hand and Body Lotion.
Other essential oils that are great for the skin: Cedarwood, Arborvitae, Sandalwood, HD Clear blend, Sallubelle Beauty blend (Immortelle), Myrrh, Geranium, Juniper Berry, Patchouli, Bergamot, Rosemary, Spikenard and Frankincense.
NOTE: If your skin looks worse after applying oils directly, this means you are detoxing through your skin. This means you really need to do the 30 Day Cleanse ensuring you drink lots of water, lots of Terrazyme and/or DigestZen to help you eliminate toxins through your bowel movements rather than your skin. Adjust the dosage if you feel like you are detoxing too fast.
Take Supplements- Your body is obviously lacking nutrients and good fats in your diet. Try to eat more whole foods, good fats and reduce inflammatory foods such as fried food, sugar and processed food. When your skin is dry, it is telling you it needs more good fats such as omega oils. Just as cars need their engine oils, we also need our “engine oil”. Omega oil will grease our body, joints and hydrate our skin. It is very necessary for those with skin conditions.
Adults: dōTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack® – As one of doTERRA’s most popular products, doTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack is full of essential nutrients, metabolism benefits, and powerful antioxidants designed to help promote energy, health, and lifelong vitality.
Children: dōTERRA a2z Chewable™ and IQ Mega® Pack – Combined to offer needed nutrients in easy-to-take forms, the doTERRA a2z Chewable and IQ Mega Pack contains two nutrient rich products that work together to provide a life-long foundation of vitality and wellness. a2z Chewable tablets are strawberry flavoured multivitamins and the IQ Mega is an orange flavoured omega oil in liquid form.
Identify the Emotional Root of the Cause- The most common emotions relating to skin irritations are: Frustration, unresolved hurt feelings, unresolved feelings of irritation, desires gone unfulfilled, feeling inadequate or unworthy, unable to flow with life, inner conflicts surfacing, feeling frustrated at not being able to accomplish something etc.
Frustration or irritation (annoyance) at yourself or others can cause flair up and itch. Which then leads you to scratch at yourself furiously. Something or someone literally got under your skin! Now, we need to identify the emotion(s) causing this irritation, what is really behind your frustration.
Diffuse essential oils for the following emotions:
- Overwhelmed (too much going on, stressed)– Basil, Aromatouch (Massage) Blend, PastTense (Tension) Blend, DigestZen (Digestive) Blend & Tangerine oil.
- Overworked (drained)– Tangerine, Wild Orange, Ylang Ylang, PastTense (Tension) Blend, Arborvitae, Passion (Inspiring) Blend & Motivate (Encouraging) Blend.
- Hormonal Imbalance– Whisper (Women’s) Blend, Lavender Peace (Serenity/Calming) Blend & ClaryCalm (Monthly) Blend.
- Anger– Forgive (Renewing) Blend, Cardamom, Thyme, Lavender Peace (Serenity/Calming) , Geranium, Ylang Ylang, HD Clear (Skin Clearing) Blend,
- Blaming Others– Cardamom, Forgive (Renewing) Blend, HD Clear (Skin Clearing) Blend, Lavender Peace (Serenity/Calming), Vetiver & Ginger.
- Feeling Ugly– Smart & Sassy (Metabolic) Blend, Grapefruit & HD Clear (Skin Clearing) Blend.
- Complaining– Elevation (Joyful) Blend & Ylang Ylang.
- Defensive– Oregano, Cardamom, Whisper (Women’s) Blend, ClaryCalm (Monthly) Blend, Geranium & Ylang Ylang.
- Feeling like a failure– Bergamot & Roman Chamomile.
- Unsupported– Birch, Cedarwood & Arborvitae.
- Feeling Worthless- Cassia, Bergamot & Smart & Sassy (Metabolic) Blend.
TIPS FOR CHILDREN
I found the most common skin irritants for children are the following:
- Laundry Detergents
- Dishwashing Detergents
- Hand Soaps
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Body Wash
- Body Creams
- Artificial children’s play makeup, perfumes and paints
- Artificial colours in food, toys and stationary.
- Dairy, eggs, wheat and pesticide contaminated food (such as strawberry, apples, peaches, pears and grapes).
I recommend you switch to all safe products from doTERRA or other safe brands from online stores above.
Use essential oils mixed with Fractionated Coconut Oil or doTERRA Spa Hand & Body Lotion.
doTERRA SPA Hand & Body Lotion—a light, non-greasy formula that contains jojoba and macadamia seed oils, murumuru and theobroma seed butters, and nourishing plant extracts. This lightweight lotion absorbs quickly to leave skin feeling silky soft and smooth. Ideal for both hands and body, this lotion pairs perfectly with essential oils, allowing you to create a personalized aromatic experience from head to toe.
Take IQ Mega (Omega oil) supplements daily to help hydrate their body from the inside out. It is also nourishing for growing brains!
MOST IMPORTANTLY….. DONT SCRATCH!!! You are not allowing yourself to heal and are succumbing to the blissful feeling of scratching! Resulting with even worse skin afterwards. Sit on your hands if you must. Love yourself and your skin. Apply Peppermint oil and an ice pack to curb the itch!
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