Looking for essential oils for folliculitis? You have come to the right page.
In this article, you’ll read about some of the best essential oils for folliculitis that are evidence-based and considered safe to use.
Contents
The Best Essential Oils for Folliculitis
Here are some of the best essential oils:
1. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is a very popular choice for treating conditions like folliculitis because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
A recent study published in 2010 investigated the antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil against common bacteria that causes this condition and it revealed that tea tree oil has strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help deal with common infections causing folliculitis.
The same study shows that the oil can inhibit cellular respiration in E.coli and at the same time disrupt the permeability barrier of its membrane causing the bacterial cells to die.
Constant application of tea tree oil to the scalp therefore can increase nutrient and oxygen supply to the follicles and at the same time shield the scalp from any infections that can cause folliculitis.
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil has strong soothing, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that can greatly help with conditions like folliculitis.
A 2010 study on hair growth-promoting effects of lavender oil revealed that the oil potentiated the antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin which helped to reduce instances of hair follicle infections and promoted hair growth.
Another Csiro Publishing finding reveals that Lavender essential oil is active against many species of bacteria that might be causing folliculitis.
Other properties of Lavender including anxiolytics can be beneficial in relieving stress and anxiety caused by this condition.
Read: Benefits of Lavender Oil for Skin
3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil can help improve dry skin and scalp increasing nutrients and oxygen supply to the hair follicles. It contains ceramide that is a type of fatty acid that is responsible for balancing skin moisture.
If you are one of the people that usually experiences dry skin that can crack and increase chances of infection, you can always apply eucalyptus extract to treat the condition according to this study.
Another 2012 study shows that it is effective against the fungus Trichosporon ovoides which is also one of the agents that causes this condition.
4. Chamomile Essential Oil
Over the decades, researchers have tried to study the antimicrobial, antibacterial, pain relieving, and wound repair properties of chamomile oil.
Although the studies on these properties are still limited, a 2018 study on mice shows that topical application of chamomile oil can help repair the skin and promote healthier hair growth.
Its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties are proven to help deal with hair follicle infections.
Precautions!
- Dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil e.g coconut oil before application
- It is best to do a patch test before applying the essential oil
- Not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers
Side effects
- Skin irritation
- Burning sensation
- Eye redness
- Nausea/Vomiting
How to Use Essential Oils for Folliculitis?
Following are a few ways you can use these essential oils:
1. Topical Application
One of the easiest methods of applying essential oils is to apply topically to the affected area. However, always make sure that you have done a patch test.
2. Bath
Add a few drops of any essential oil of your choice to the bathing water and use it to bathe the affected area 1-2 times a day.
3. Massage
Add any essential oil of your choice to massage oil in 1:1 and use it to massage the affected area. Do it every alternate day to see improvement.
The Bottom Line!
The above-mentioned essential oils for folliculitis are some of the best and safest essential oils available.
Even though they are safe to use you may notice some discomfort. In such as case, stop the use and consult with your physician if necessary.
The content present on this page has not been evaluated by any medical authorities e.g. FDA. All the information present is solely for informational purposes and is not a substitute for the medical advice provided by your physician. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or illness.
I am a medical student (MD) and a professional blogger. My aim is to help and educate people about essential oils and how they can be beneficial in improving overall health if used in a proper way.
