Essential oils and allergies – what do you need to know about allergy tests?

Essential oils have many uses – they are invaluable in medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and cosmetics. They are used by professionals in salons and by nature lovers in the comfort of their own homes. Essential oils have beneficial and very potent effects, but these come with a risk of allergic reactions – because, in reality, almost anything can cause an allergic reaction. Often overlooked and downplayed, yet so important – what is worth knowing about allergy tests?

An allergy test is essential – where does an allergy to essential oils come from?

It seems, that only genetic factors influence allergies – yet this is not entirely true. An adverse reaction can be triggered by a number of other factors, that affect the body’s immune system. The most important of these include environmental factors (, e.g. conditions in the immediate environment), individual characteristics (, e.g. skin condition, past infections), high concentrations of allergens, and sometimes even... the quality of the oil.

Does quality matter?

It is certainly worth paying attention to the quality of the essential oil. It is not only the raw material used in production that matters,; the method of extraction is equally important. Only a properly selected method Toda ensures the safest possible product. Unfortunately,, there are currently no regulations governing the precise classification (or even the description) of essential oils. The only advice? Choose reputable shops and trusted sellers.

Is it always an allergy?

Most available essential oils do not exhibit skin toxicity...when used in diluted form. It seems obvious, and yet – the belief still prevails, that the more, the more effective. In the case of essential oils, this is a major (and utterly unnecessary) mistake. A natural essential oil is a concentrated and potent product; when used in its ‘pure’ form, it can cause not only an allergic reaction but also simple skin irritation. Very few oils are actually used undiluted. These include, first and foremost:

• rose
• tea tree
• lavender
• lemon balm
• sandalwood

When an allergy test is necessary – the at-risk group

Everyone uses cosmetics. As research shows, among consumers, who are allergic to them, as many as 45% of all cases involve allergies to fragrances. The conclusion is simple – if you have ever experienced adverse reactions to cosmetic products, an allergy test becomes essential.

Similar precautions should be taken by anyone, who is prone to allergies, skin irritation and hypersensitivity, as well as those, who suffer from chronic conditions (such as epilepsy or hypertension).

Skin allergy test – how does it work?

Allergy tests are used to detect or confirm adverse reactions upon contact with a given essential oil. It is a safe and responsible method – a small amount of the preparation means, that any complications are usually limited to a local, harmless allergic reaction.

Three substances are responsible for most side effects:

• phenolic compounds (e.g. thyme oil and clove oil)
• aldehydes (e.g. cinnamon oil)
• citronellol (most citrus oils)

Allergy tests – how are they done? Why are they worth doing?

Allergy tests are the best way, to protect yourself from allergic reactions, which can be really serious during prolonged exposure to essential oils (e.g. during a massage or bath). The tests are simple, require little effort and just a touch of patience. What do they involve?

Skin test - step by step

The test should be carried out on an area of high sensitivity and adequate permeability to active ingredients (, e.g. on the wrists, in the crook of the elbow or behind the knee). To ensure maximum reliability, the skin must not be dry, irritated or affected by any skin condition. A few days before the test, the skin should not be exposed to strong sunlight.

The selected area must be properly prepared, by thorough cleansing, preferably with a mild soap. Then, a small amount of (, at most), of diluted essential oil should be applied to the skin and covered with a plaster for approx. 24 hours. After 24 hours, the dressing can be removed, but the skin should be monitored for a further 24 hours.

Patch test and allergic reaction – how to recognise an allergy?

There is a high probability, that the allergy test will not reveal any allergic reactions to the components of the selected essential oil. However, if we are dealing with a contact allergy (or hypersensitivity), a skin symptom will certainly appear. The most common include:

• itching
• burning
• stinging
• redness
• small blisters and nodules
• swelling of subcutaneous tissue (much less frequently)

An adverse reaction is a sign, that the body has reacted abnormally to a substance, which, under normal circumstances is not harmful.

Delayed reaction

It happens, that the test does not show an allergic reaction... immediately. It is not uncommon to encounter so-called delayed hypersensitivity, which manifests itself up to 72 hours after exposure to the allergen. This situation also indicates an allergic reaction.

Pseudo-allergy

It may turn out, that the oil (– primarily referring to all citrus extracts) – did not cause any adverse effects....until the first exposure to sunlight – particularly, if this occurred within 12 hours of the test. Redness, a burning sensation, itching, and sometimes discolouration then appear. Although this is not an allergic reaction, it can be misleading and – let’s face it – off-putting. However, this is a completely normal reaction to which all users of citrus essential oils are susceptible.

Allergy to essential oil – what to do?

If any adverse side effects, occur during the skin test, the oil should be washed off the skin immediately, before the irritation spreads to a larger area. That is basically all; the changes should resolve spontaneously and quickly. The most serious reaction, anaphylaxis, is extremely rare, but it is worth remembering that this is a situation requiring medical assistance. You can always test a different fragrance option or try air freshening, which is the gentlest form of therapy. You can always try a different fragrance option or try air freshening, which is the gentlest form of therapy. A low concentration of oil and the absence of direct contact with the skin ensures maximum safety, even in the case of a confirmed allergy.

Or perhaps it isn’t entirely the oil’s fault?

An allergic reaction may be triggered by an essential oil, whose composition has changed due to unsuitable storage conditions. Excessive exposure to sunlight or heat can, over time, completely alter the percentage of specific substances in the oil. It may seem obvious, but it is worth emphasising the importance of storing essential oils properly, keeping them in a dark and cool place.

Although the spectre of allergies may effectively discourage, the wide-ranging and health-promoting use of essential oils, it is worth a try – especially, as this is neither demanding nor difficult. Undesirable side effects related to allergies are extremely rare, and although most are beyond our control, a few can be effectively eliminated by using essential oils correctly.

"Allergy to fragrances" - M. Kierć-Świerczyńska, D. Świerczyńska-Machura, Institute of Textiles

"Activity of selected essential oils against skin microbiota" - M. Maroszyńska, A. Kunicka-Styczyńska, A. Tyfa, Department of Technical Microbiology, Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology

"Essential oils as cosmetic products from the perspective of a toxicologist and safety assessor" - K. Jurkowski, W. Piekoszewski, Faculty of Health Promotion, Krakow University of Health Promotion, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Faculty of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia

"Alternative therapies. Aromatherapy – raw materials and treatments" - A. Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz, M. Gorzel, S. Pigonia State Higher Vocational School in Krosno, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Lublin University of Social Sciences and Natural Sciences