aaarrrgh - allergic reaction to essential oil in bath...how long will it take to go away? & more...

[jeangenie]

I put a variety of essential oils in my bath last thursday - pretty sure I had used them all before...anyway, within 10 mins I felt a tingling so got out of bath...later came up in some itchy blotches on back of knees and lower back...put on some cooling aloe vera gel

it has just got worse and worse since then...I am now cover in itchy bumps and blotches all over my back, shoulders, stomache and legs...it is agony

I've taken anti-histamines but no result so far...

any tips on alleviation and/or hope to give as to how long this might take to go down? it's been almost 4 days now

I'm really sorry to hear that you've had such a nasty experience.
It sounds really painful.

I'm sorry, I don't have any advice, but can I just confirm something?
I was under the impression that lavender and tea tree oil were the only essential oils that could be used in direct contact with the skin.
Were you using diluted versions of them?
Am I completely wrong?

oh I didn't know which should or shouldn't be used - I used neroli, orange and mandarin, they were diluted in a full bath of water - I have used them before with no adverse effects (afaik)...I am in agony right now...my bra straps are irritating me beyond belief, as are my jeans, my tshirt, everything that touches me in fact

the only thing that helps alleviate things is a warm shower, but we have no hot water as of yesterday...

can anyone tell me when would be normal for this to die down? if I had an endpoint in sight I might feel better!!!