Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 1998; 3: 189
A preliminary study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that essential oils would alleviate the symptoms of childhood atopic eczema.
Eight children were counselled and massaged with essential oils by both the therapist and the mother over a period of 8 weeks. A control group of children received the same treatment without essential oils. Evaluation was by means of day-time irritation scores and night time disturbance scores, determined by the mother before and during the treatment; finally general improvement scores were allocated two weeks after the treatment by the therapist, the general practitioner and the mother.
The results showed a statistically significant improvement in the eczema in the 2 groups of children following therapy, but there was no significant improvement shown between the experimental and control group. Further 2 aromatherapy treatments for 8 week periods caused a significant deterioration in the eczema.
There is therefore proof that counselling and tactile contact between mother and child benefits the symptoms of atopic eczema but no proof that essential oils are more beneficial than massage alone.
