{"id":26947,"date":"2017-07-11T02:56:15","date_gmt":"2017-07-11T06:56:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saratoga.com\/living-well\/?p=26947"},"modified":"2017-11-29T10:13:59","modified_gmt":"2017-11-29T15:13:59","slug":"can-allergy-essential-oils-part","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saratoga.com\/living-well\/2017\/07\/can-allergy-essential-oils-part\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Have an \u201cAllergy\u201d to Essential Oils? If So, Why? Part I"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/strong><\/p>\n A few months ago, I posted two articles that contained important information for all essential oil users to be conscious of. By being aware of these topics of safety and allergic responses, the desired benefits of essential oils can be optimized and unwanted responses prevented.<\/p>\n I ended the series promising you that I would dive deeper into why someone would be allergic to essential oils to begin with. Recently, Natural Path <\/em>published my explanation in another two-part series!<\/p>\n First, for those who missed the background, I\u2019ll catch you up on where we left off. Then, I\u2019ll provide an overview of the new articles and the link to access the full versions.<\/p>\n In Part I<\/a> of Essential Oils, Allergic Responses, and Skin Sensitization \u2013 Why and What You Should Know, <\/em>I discussed the various categories of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. Of these four types, essential oils have only been reported to be involved in type IV, delayed hypersensitivity reactions.<\/p>\n Medicinenet.com<\/a> <\/em>explains an example of this type of reaction with the scratchy discomfort of poison ivy:<\/p>\n Sensitivity to urushiol <\/em>[the oily resin] occurs when individuals come into contact with it. The first time a person is exposed, they may not develop a rash. However, with repeated exposure, sensitivity develops that ultimately leads to the development of the characteristic rash. Most people (about 85%) will develop sensitivity, while a small percentage of individuals (about 15%) never develop an <\/em>allergic reaction to urushiol.<\/em><\/p>\n However, essential oils are not capable of causing an immune response by themselves. Rather, they can attach to proteins or other allergic molecules, and contribute to an allergic response<\/strong> over time.<\/strong> (They are classified as \u201chaptens<\/a>.\u201d) This \u201cdelayed\u201d response with essential oils occurs in relation to continued exposure and accumulation of the allergen in sensitized individuals.<\/p>\n In ended Part I with a brief overview of some safety considerations and appropriate applications when using essential oils. This included the proper dosage of oils and avoidance of going \u201cheavy-handed.\u201d Finally, I started the discussion on skin sensitization. For those with delicate skin, it\u2019s especially important to rotate their essential oils to prevent this unwanted skin reaction.<\/p>\n (Please see my essential oils database<\/a>, under the category \u201cChildren & Safety\u201d and \u201cEssential Oils and Carrier Oils,\u201d to learn more on safe use of essential oils.)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Part II<\/a>, I went into more detail regarding the factors regarding skin sensitization.<\/strong> These included:<\/p>\n\n