Solving Summer Skin Problems

Prickly Heat (Urticaria)

This unsightly and viciously irritating condition causes red itchy lumps to develop on the skin. The lumps often have pale centres, and join together to form large, irregular, raised patches.

Urticaria is triggered by an allergic reaction to food, food additives or to a drug, such as penicillin. It may also follow an infection or occur at the site of an insect bite. In some people, lumps are raised simply when the skin is scratched (this form of urticaria is known as dermographism).

Commonly, the sun triggers the condition and it is generally an irritating but harmless nuisance. It is known that, tension and stress usually make urticaria worse. Urticaria can be life threatening if it effects the throat but this is rare.

What should be done?

If your urticaria is caused by the sun you can relieve any itching yourself by applying chamomile essential oil (a natural anti-inflammatory) diluted in almond or olive oil perhaps with a touch of tea tree added . Aloe vera and lavender can also help in many instances. If your lips and the skin around your eyes start to swell and this swelling spreads to the throat, contact the doctor immediately.

To control troublesome urticaria, your doctor may prescribe antihistamine tablets however I remind clients with mild cases that keeping covered up and protected from sunburn as well as hiding this unsightly allergic condition is a more natural and sensible option.

Fungal Infections

This is another irritating problem that cannot be so easily dismissed by the sufferer. These infections (related to athletes foot) can occur in any warm damp part of the body such as under the breasts in women and in the groin area of men.

What should be done?

Bathe daily in bath water into which 6 drops of tea tree and 4 drops of lavender have been added. Wear cotton clothing alongside the affected areas and if you do like talcum powder, choose an unscented one and store in a container which has an opening lid. Add 2 drops of tea tree weekly into the powder and shake. That will coat the tiny particles without clogging.

Insect bites

There is nothing more relaxing than being outside on a warm summer evenings but bare skin and strappy sandals can lead to the less than romantic insect bites. Spray on repellents are effective but they do not smell attractive and the alcohol (often used as a propellant in the spray) evaporates taking with it your protection as well as wafting the scent of the repellent into the atmosphere.

What should be done?

For my clients I blend citronella into a skin nurturing, gentle aloe vera base for the ultimate in protection. The cooling aloe vera base allows the mild citronella to gently coat the skin without scenting the air around you or clashing with your perfume. It can also be applied to problem areas like hair and eyebrows as well as directly on to the skin without staining or causing irritation. The non-greasy 'sap like' gel is non-sticky when dry and does not stain clothing, it is also invisible on body hair. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer bites apply neat tea tree oil immediately to stop the itching. If the bite continues to swell or becomes infected, particularly on the lower limbs, seek medical attention immediately as they cam lead to septicaemia.

Potions and Possibilities insect repellent costs £5.99 and can be purchased on-line at http://www.potions.co.uk/ , or by telephoning 01394 386161 .

Spearmint - Mentha Spicata

Thank you for all your emails and calls - several of you have asked for information about more unusual oils - my choice this week is Spearmint.


I love the cool icy aura of spearmint and its clean but complex scent. I see it as a “softer” alternative to peppermint. Peppermint to me is strong masculine oil whereas spearmint has more of an affinity for the female psyche. On a practical level peppermint can be difficult to use in a massage blend or a blend for the burner because its menthol notes and pungency can easily overpower the other ingredients.


The clean and gently uplifting character of spearmint offers a more sophisticated and subtle alternative. I also find that, whereas peppermint, can occasionally over stimulate the mind of someone who is overstressed and perhaps agitated. Spearmint can offer that mental boost without aggravating any mental hyperactivity. As well as being an oil, which “lifts” the spirits and improves focus I also use it to counteract physical fatigue particularly where it is caused by mental stress. I feel that mint is a natural choice where there is any physcological pressure, partly because the name mint is derived from the Latin word "Mente" meaning “ thought” because the Romans used it as a tonic for the brain.

Julies Professional Tip

Use spearmint in equal proportions with a really good citrus oil (lime is my favourite) and just add the tiniest whisper of frankincense for depth and to “ground” the blend.

Top Tips for Stressed Out Students (and Parents)

From Aromatherapist and Natural Health Specialist - Julie Foster

1. Your Nose Can Help You!
   The sense of smell is the most powerful of all the senses, so harness it to help you learn. For instance if you have a particular area that really is hard to learn, wipe the relevant pages or notes with an essential oil (bergamot, green mandarin and may chang are good choices). Prior to the exam put a tissue in your pocket that has had a few drops of the chosen oil on it. If that question comes up sniff it. (Note do not use pungent oils such as eucalyptus, as the smell will have an effect beyond your desk and may distract others).
   
   
2. Natural Remedies To Relieve The Pressure
   Use student balm from my inline shop -Potions and Possibilities it blends palma rosa to help clarity, violet for the nerves and citrus oils to energise. An exquisite mixture of essential oils in a gentle gel base – just apply to pulse points.
   
   
3. Get The Caffeine Buzz Without The Caffeine!
   Whilst you are studying vaporize lime for its stimulant properties and frankincense to help you focus. Deepen your breathing to enhance oxygen uptake (a much better option than red bull).
   
   
4. Wash Away The Worry!
   If you are seriously stressed out then bathe the night before in a relaxing bath with green mandarin to improve focus and bergamot - known as natures Prozac.
   
   
5. Snooze Your Way To Success
   Use lavender essential oil in bed for a deeper more refreshing sleep. Sprinkle as few drops on the pillow or tumble dry bedding/pyjamas with a hanky which has 12 or more drops of lavender oil sprinkled onto it.
   
   
6. Fight The Stress
   Exams are a tough challenge for all of the family – use cedarwood, the oil of courage it is the oil that David used to anoint himself before he fought Goliath This helps to prepare yourselves for what is, for many families, a traumatic time that must be born with endless reserves of patience , stoicism and above all optimism.
   
   
7. Keep A Clear Head
   If your exams are close together and you have trouble clearing your mind fof one subject to prepare for the next then vaporise grapefruit (to clear/detox) & May Chang (the oil of tranquillity).
   
   
8. Beat Fatigue
   If fatigue is a problem add a few drops of grapefruit and basil to your shower gel in the morning or use anti-fatigue bath and shower gel from Potions & Possibilities.
   
   
9. Protect Your Immune System
   The stress of exams can lower the immune system making students susceptible to colds, tummy upsets or acne flair ups. Use tea tree in the bath and maybe on a vaporiser with other oils for protection.
   
   
10. Live And Breathe Success
    Asthma and hay fever can both be aggravated by stress – breathe in frankincense and geranium for girls and frankincense and bergamot for boys to reduce the impact of stress, then deepen and slow your breathing.
    
    
11. Don’t Blame Them
    Exam stress can add to family tension, manifesting itself as irritability and moodiness. Use ylang ylang and clary-sage.

I will be happy to answer questions on this subject – contact me at julie@potions.co.uk.

Aromatherapy is a drug free, harmless way to enhance focus, reduce stress and aid sleep. If exams are a worry for you why not try it.