Allergic to Lavender?

[Regina]

hi there,

I'm very new to essential oils and am wondering if anyone has had experience with an allergic reaction to lavender oil?  I've been using it on my 20-month old daughter to relieve her teething and I do feel like it is working; however, last night at bedtime I noticed a rash along her jawline where I've been applying it.  She's developed a clear runny nose but I just assumed it was the teething but now I'm wondering if she's allergic to the oil.

The only other variable is she's been to our friends house with a dog twice this week but we have been over there multiple times with no reaction.  I've applied some coconut oil to the rash in hopes of diluting the oil if that is the problem.  I'm going to stop using the lavender and see if that clears it up.  Does anyone know if I can diffuse it still or will she still have a reaction?  I assume I should wait till it clears up and then try to diffuse it to know for sure.

Any thoughts or feedback is greatly appreciated.

thank you kindly,

Regina

[Linda Sherman]

Lavender is one of the safest oils used, and your daughter's issue is the first I've heard of Lavender causing any skin issues. 

Aromatherapist Shirley Price suggests that only a small number of people (0.1%) have a skin redness reaction to appropriately diluted essential oils. Skin receptors can become sensitive . . . which not necessarily an "allergic" response. I would not continue to apply it though (this is known as 'hapten'). 

I'd think you could diffuse the Lavender without any problems, but again, this is new territory for me since I have rarely heard of anyone having a true "allergic" reaction to any essential oil. For example, if I put Cinnamon essential oil on my arm, it will redden and feel hot and uncomfortable. I don't consider this an allergic reaction, but rather too hot for my skin. I'd need to dilute it quite a bit if I needed it on my skin, but I could diffuse it without harm.

For more information about Essential Oil Usage, click here.

I hope we hear some feedback from others. Keep us updated.

Blessings and prayers for wisdom,

Linda