The word dermatitis is a broad term used to describe skin that is painful and/or inflamed (Derma = skin and itis = pain and/or inflammation). This term encompasses rashes such as poison ivy or the touching of anything that causes irritatation of the skin. Reactions to internal medication can cause red, scaly skin.

The following essential oils are known to be helpful for contact dermatitis. Choosing an oil from each category to make a custom blend suited for your situation may prove the most helpful.

Antimicrobial
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Thyme ct linalool (Thymus vulgaris)

Astringent
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Spanish Sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Detoxifying
Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Relaxants
Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)
Geranium (Pelargonium roseum)
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)
Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata)

Especially because your skin is already compromised and sensitive, always test an oil or blend on a small patch of skin to be sure it will work for you without aggravating the condition.

Bathe the affected area with a water bath or compress.

Compress or soak
In a large bowl mix:
8 drops essential oils/blend
1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (raw and organic)
1/4 cup Witch Hazel
2 cups Water, cool

Soak a washcloth, wring out and apply for 30 minutes, rewetting as needed.
Repeat 3-4 times daily as desired until inflammation and weeping has passed. Some people recover completely, but others develop dry patches of skin. Once the weeping stops and dry patches appear, treat the dry area with a soothing oil such as Almond, Avocado, Calendula, Castor or Emu, or a salve such as Sanare Velius, Comfrey/Calendula Healing.

If you have used steroid creams, you may expect withdrawal symptoms.
Red Skin Syndrome Support

Personal Testimonies of Red Skin Syndrome (Topical Steroid Withdrawal)

Testimonies
1. I used your Itchy Rash Spray on my contact dermatitis with great relief. I used it liberally - it was cooling, refreshing and gave much relief. - Carrie

2. I have suffered from an itchy, blistery rash outbreak on my hands for years. The rash itches like mad and usually lasts for days and days. It usually breaks out under times of stress. Dermatologists call it some form of dermatitis. Brilliant! They prescribe creams, and I've also tried special lotions and salves with little relief. During my most recent outbreak, I applied Lavender essential oil, and I was amazed that the itching stopped almost immediately and the rash itself was gone the next day. That happened several months ago, and it still hasn't come back.

3. Our dermatologist prescribed hydrocortisone cream for our 2-year-old daughter who had an itchy rash all over her body. I wasn't about to use that all over her body everyday, but I kept it in case I ever got desperate. I decided instead to use Lavender and Lemon mixed with Emu, and within 5 days her skin was soft and red patches are gone. No more need to consult the dermatologist for her meds - essentail oils prove the best way to go!

4. I had a rash on my face and eyelids that "oozed." My MD recently diagnosed it as seborrheic dermatitis and gave me a prescription for a steroid cream. I read the risks of using that and wanted to avoid it like the plague! I decided to mixed 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 10-12 drops of Lavender oil (about 1% dilution). I applied this to my face several times a day. Within a couple of days, the rash I'd had for at least 2 months was visibly better. Now, one week later, it is completely gone! - Beth

5. I was diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis by my dermatologist and instructed to use a topical steroid cream or shampoo as needed. She told me I'd have this condition forever and offered no hope for a cure. I decided to take a natural approach. I purchased Hopewell's Shampoo Bar soap and put about 4 drops of Cypress essential oil into my soapy palm to wash my hair, which is about 3x weekly. My scalp and hair feels soooooo good now and my hair looks better than ever. Every now and then my symptoms come back, but they disappear when I re-wash my hair. - Brenda