Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLavender FlowerSymptomsCausesTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Lavender Flower
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Alavenderallergy is a rareallergic reactionto lavender or lavender oil. Lavender oil is an essential oil made from the lavender flower.
If you are allergic to lavender, you may experience allergiccontact dermatitiswhen exposed. Possible symptoms include a rash with redness, swelling, and itching.
Linalyl acetateis a fragrance chemical used in most forms of lavender essential oil and is known to cause allergiceczema.
This article will provide an overview of lavender allergy, including symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Svitlana Romadina / Getty Images
Can You Be Allergic to Essential Oils?
Lavender is a flower that is often used in aromatherapy oils, as well as in personal and household products. It is a possible cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
One study found that when 2,178 individuals were tested for a lavender allergy, 49 reacted. This meant that 2.2% had a positive patch test and were considered allergic to lavender.
Possible symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include:
Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis
Two of the main components of lavender oil are linalool and linalyl acetate. These substances have been found to cause allergic contact dermatitis in individuals.
Linalyl acetate is a fragrance chemical that is found in lavender oil. It has been linked to an increased risk of allergic contact dermatitis.
The best treatment for an allergy is to avoid the allergen. If you have been struggling with contact dermatitis from lavender, consider meeting with your primary care provider, an allergist, or adermatologist, a medical doctor specializing in skin, hair, and nails. They will conduct a physical exam and may recommend allergy testing.
Possible treatment options for allergic contact dermatitis include:
How Contact Dermatitis Is Treated
Because lavender is commonly used in household and personal care products, it is important to use caution with new products. Read the label carefully and only use a small amount the first time.
Summary
A Word From Verywell
Allergic reactions to lavender are uncommon but possible. Talk with your healthcare provider if you believe you are sensitive or allergic to lavender. It is important to avoid lavender as much as possible to prevent an allergic reaction.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe lavender plant contains long purple flowers attached to very long green stems. The flowers may also appear blue or periwinkle.A lavender allergy is rare. Having an allergic reaction to any essential oil is uncommon. Talk with your healthcare provider if you believe you’re sensitive or allergic to lavender.
The lavender plant contains long purple flowers attached to very long green stems. The flowers may also appear blue or periwinkle.
A lavender allergy is rare. Having an allergic reaction to any essential oil is uncommon. Talk with your healthcare provider if you believe you’re sensitive or allergic to lavender.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Eczema Association.Hidden fragrance compound in lavender can cause contact allergy.
National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.
Hagvall L, Christensson JB.Patch testing with main sensitizers does not detect all cases of contact allergy to oxidized lavender oil.Acta Derm Venereol. 2016 Jun 15;96(5):679-83. doi:10.2340/00015555-2319
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Contact dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.
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