Q. I had a localized rash on my back (about 2 inches by 4 inches) for 15 years. It itched and became inflamed if I scratched it.
A dermatologist called it “notalgia paresthetica” and said there is no cure. My massage therapist suggested lavender oil or tea tree oil as a drying agent. I applied a few drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and rubbed it on my back twice daily. Not only did it dry the area but, best of all, the itching stopped. Now the skin is smooth. I apply the oil whenever I think about it for fragrant relief.
A. Thank you for sharing your solution to a common and annoying problem. Keep in mind that both lavender oil and tea tree oil have hormone-disrupting estrogenic activity (Hormones, July-Sept. 2010).
