Massage & eczema
Massage therapists who use essential oils have a higher rate of hand dermatitis, says study.
A new research has revealed that massage therapists who frequently use essential oils in aromatherapy treatments have a higher rate of hand dermatitis or hand eczema than the general population.
Hand dermatitis is a skin disorder that causes the hands to develop a rash and become dry and cracked. It can interfere with social activities and cause permanent deformity.
Dr. Glen H. Crawford of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia, and his colleagues found that those using aromatherapy products, massage oils, lotions, or creams, were over three times as likely to suffer from hand dermatitis, whereas those with a history of dermatitis were eight times as likely to have hand dermatitis.
"Massage therapists should be aware of the sensitizing potential of their oils and the possibility of personal and client adverse skin reactions. To lower this high prevalence of hand dermatitis in massage therapists, it may be useful to conduct an educational campaign regarding the potential hazards of aromatherapy products," the article, published in The Archive of Dermatology, said.
