Essential oils are beloved by many for their stress-relieving and health benefits, but a recent incident in London serves as a stark reminder of their potential dangers. A young woman named Sarah Thompson faced a horrifying experience when her essential oil diffuser caused her to suffer painful chemical burns on her face.
At just 24 years old, Sarah shared her ordeal on Facebook, explaining how a relaxing evening with her fiancé turned into a nightmare. They were cozied up by the fire with a diffuser running a mix of undiluted patchouli oil and other oils. While attempting to turn off the diffuser, a burst of vapor sprayed onto her face, but she didn’t think much of it at the time. “I knew essential oils shouldn’t be applied directly to skin, but I didn’t realize that getting sprayed was basically the same thing,” she said.
After a couple of hours, while tending to the fire, Sarah noticed her face beginning to sting. Initially thinking she might have accidentally gotten too close to the flames, she ran her face under cold water for ten minutes and then soaked it for twenty more while seeking medical advice. The operator on the line assured her that she had only sustained first-degree burns and that she could treat herself at home. Following their instructions, she went to bed hoping for the best.
However, when she woke up, things had taken a turn for the worse. Her face was swollen, her eyes were watering uncontrollably, and her skin looked unhealthy. Realizing something was off, Sarah called for medical help again, leading her to the emergency room. After an extensive wait and treatment, she discovered that the burns were indeed chemical, caused by the essential oils in her diffuser. Doctors explained that washing off essential oils is not as simple as soap and water; in fact, she was essentially “marinating” her face in the very substance that caused her pain.
Dr. Lisa Adams, a dermatologist, noted that patchouli oil can trigger severe reactions, especially when exposed to sunlight. Sarah reflected on her experience, saying, “I’m incredibly lucky that the damage wasn’t worse, but I now have permanent eye damage and possible facial scarring.” She has decided to stop using essential oils and hopes her story encourages others to be cautious with diffusers.
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In summary, Sarah’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with essential oils, especially when used improperly. If you ever feel discomfort after using essential oils, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Sharing her story, Sarah hopes to prevent others from experiencing similar pain.
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