A Lavender allergy can cause symptoms like skin itching, hives, nasal congestion, and anaphylaxis in rare cases. Avoid trigger products, rinse skin, and take antihistamines for mild reactions. Seek emergency care for throat swelling or difficulty breathing.
Listen to this guide
or read on …
Understanding and Managing Unpleasant Lavender Allergies
With its soothing scent and reputation as a gentle botanical, an allergy to lavender may come as a surprise for most people. But while relatively rare, lavender allergies do occur in a small percentage of the population. Like other aromatic plant compounds, lavender oil contains allergenic molecules capable of triggering harmful immune reactions in sensitive individuals.
Follow along as we cover common lavender allergy symptoms, diagnostic testing, risk factors, avoidance tips, and treatment options for both mild and severe reactions. We’ll also discuss practical precautions and alternative options for those who develop hypersensitivity to this otherwise therapeutic plant. Gain strategies for safely navigating the unfortunate situation of a newly discovered lavender allergy while still finding botanical relaxation methods that agree with you.
Common Allergy Symptoms Caused by Lavender
Exposure to lavender may prompt the following allergy symptoms in sensitive people:
- Skin redness, itching, hives, or rashes where oil is applied.
- Runny nose, congestion, sneezing, or itchy eyes
- Coughing, respiratory irritation, chest tightness, or wheezing.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach pain after ingesting lavender.
- Headache, dizziness from inhaling lavender scent or absorbing through the skin.
- Swelling of tongue, lips, face, or throat
While often mild, allergy symptoms can potentially progress to severe and require swift treatment.
Diagnosing a Lavender Allergy
A physician can definitively diagnose lavender allergy through:
- Allergy testing – Patch testing on skin and RAST blood test check for antibodies [7]
- Elimination diet – Removing products with lavender for 1-2 weeks to see if symptoms abate. [8]
- Oral challenge test – Ingesting lavender oil extract in office to provoke reaction. [9]
- Topical challenge – Applying diluted lavender oil to inner arm and monitoring for rash. [10]
- Observation during lavender exposure – Monitoring vitals and symptoms. [11]
- Medical history – Previous allergies or atopy makes lavender allergy more likely. [12]
Diagnostic confirmation is key before strict lavender avoidance since irritation mimics allergy symptoms.
Risk Factors for Developing a Lavender Allergy
Certain groups have increased lavender allergy risk, including:
- Individuals with atopic conditions like asthma, eczema, or hay fever. [13]
- People with known perfume, aroma, or essential oil allergies. [14]
- Those with sensitivities to other members of mint family. [15]
- Individuals with oral lavender supplements or drugs like linalool. [16]
- Occupational exposure – aromatherapists, massage therapists, skincare specialists. [17]
- Frequent topical use on skin or via inhalation. [18]
- Those with autoimmune disorders or immune dysfunction. [19]
However, even with no risk factors, new lavender sensitization can occur. Pay heed to any emerging symptoms.
Avoiding Exposure to Lavender with Allergy
To prevent reactions, strictly avoid lavender:
- Check product labels and avoid items listing lavender extracts or oil. [20]
- Stop diffusing lavender oil or lighting scented candles. [21]
- Remove lavender plants from your home and garden spaces. [22]
- Switch beauty, skincare, and cleaning products to lavender-free versions. [23]
- Stop ingesting lavender teas, supplements, or culinary lavender. [24]
- Avoid stores, spas, or public spaces using lavender oil. [25]
- Inform contacts of allergy and request they avoid lavender scents. [26]
- Wear a medical alert bracelet identifying the lavender allergy. [27]
Complete avoidance is crucial but requires diligence in reading labels and communicating needs.
Treating Mild Lavender Allergic Reactions
For mild localised reactions:
- Remove triggering lavender product(s) immediately.
- Wash skin with soap and cool water to rinse away oil.
- Apply compresses soaked in cool water to soothe the skin.
- Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine or loratadine.
- Monitor symptoms – if they worsen or don’t improve within 1-2 days, contact your doctor.
- Treat any residual itching with over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
- Avoid re-exposure to allow sensitisation to resolve.
Symptoms typically improve within several days after triggering exposure is removed.
When to Seek Emergency Care for Lavender Allergy
Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Swelling or tightness in throat, tongue, lips or face.
- Wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing.
- Fainting, confusion, loss of consciousness.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea combined with dizziness or shortness of breath.
- Rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, pale or blue skin.
- Widespread redness or hives all over body.
- Symptoms not improving despite taking an antihistamine.
These signal an escalating potentially life-threatening reaction requiring epinephrine, steroids, oxygen therapy, and intensive monitoring. Don’t hesitate to call emergency services or visit a hospital if you suspect anaphylaxis.
Developing an Allergy to Lavender Over Time
It’s possible to develop new lavender allergies after repeated exposure:
- Sensitization happens when immune cells initially mistake lavender compounds as harmful.
- With more contact, allergy-causing antibodies multiply, increasing reaction potential.
- Those with atopic conditions like eczema are prone to acquiring new sensitivities.
- Fragrances like lavender oil contain many individual sensitizing ingredients.
- Topical applications, oral ingestion, inhalation all can spur allergies.
- Reactions may gradually worsen from mild to severe over weeks or months of exposure.
Lavender allergy can strike those previously able to tolerate it through newly developed hypersensitivity.
Lavender Allergy Precautions and Prevention
To avoid developing a lavender allergy:
- Monitor yourself for reactions when trying new lavender products.
- Perform skin patch tests before applying personal care items.
- Purchase only 100% pure, high-quality oil to prevent reactions to adulterants.
- Dilute the essential oil in carrier oils and use the lowest effective concentration.
- Consider allergy testing if you have perfume or aroma sensitivities.
- Choose mild, minimally scented skincare and detergent products.
- Opt for unscented lotions instead of plant-based oils if very atopic.
- Limit diffusing essential oils to only short intervals.
Proactive avoidance in those prone to allergies reduces the likelihood of developing hypersensitivity.
Conclusion
Being diagnosed with a lavender allergy can feel disheartening for those who previously turned to it for soothing relief. Yet take comfort that only a small fraction of people do react given lavender’s widespread use. With mindful precautions, most enjoy lavender worry-free their entire lives. However, once sensitized, diligent avoidance is critical to prevent escalating reactions. While challenges arise from vigilantly reading labels and modifying self-care products, a few adjustments make living comfortably with a lavender allergy possible.
Thankfully an allergy doesn’t wholly prevent using aromatic plants for relaxation. Try oils made from chamomile, sandalwood, rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine or citrus plants as calming alternatives if patch testing shows tolerance. Blend your own oil mixtures without lavender. Grow non-allergenic herbs in your garden. Avoiding lavender doesn’t mean you must forfeit natural botanical therapies. With some adaptations to products, spaces, and routines, those with lavender allergies can still harness the healing power of nature’s pharmacy.
