Allergic to Lavender? What You Need to Know

A lavender allergy is a rare allergic reaction to lavender or lavender oil. Lavender oil is an essential oil made from the lavender flower.

If you are allergic to lavender, you may experience allergic contact dermatitis when exposed. Possible symptoms include a rash with redness, swelling, and itching. 

Linalyl acetate is a fragrance chemical used in most forms of lavender essential oil and is known to cause allergic eczema.

This article will provide an overview of lavender allergy, including symptoms, causes, and treatments. 

Lavender Flower

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.

Symptoms

Possible symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include:

• Rash
• Redness
• Swelling 
• Itching 

Causes

An allergic reaction is caused by an overreaction of the body’s immune system. The most common cause of a lavender allergy is personal care products as this oil is often used in soaps, shampoos, and lotions.

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. 

Treatment

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 a dermatologist, 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:

• Cool compress to ease the itching
• Calamine lotion or colloidal oatmeal baths for open sores
• Oral prednisone to reduce swelling and redness (prednisone is only used in moderate to severe dermatitis episodes)
• Phototherapy (treatment using natural or artificial light)

Prevention

An allergic reaction is an overreaction by the immune system. The only way to prevent the reaction is to avoid the trigger. If you are allergic to lavender, you must avoid all lavender flowers or lavender oil sources. 

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

While uncommon, it is possible to experience an allergic reaction to lavender flowers or lavender essential oil. Possible signs of allergic contact dermatitis include a red rash, swelling, and itching. To treat allergic contact dermatitis caused by lavender, consider trying cool compresses, calamine lotion, and colloidal oatmeal baths. See your healthcare provider if home remedies are not successful. The best way to prevent a reaction from a lavender allergy is to avoid the trigger. 

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.