Sweet almond oil is used commonly in skin care products, shampoos and makeup preparations.
Sweet almond oil, a lipid extract of the sweet almond, is commonly used in skin creams as a lubricant, in massage and essential oils, in shampoos and conditioners and in some foods. Medicinally, some alternative health care practitioners recommend its use for a wide range of ailments including heartburn, nephritis and intestinal ailments. However, as a derivative of the sweet almond, it can cause a range of health and sensitivity reactions.
Uses
Sweet almond oil is used as flavoring in candies, cakes and other confectionaries. Additionally, it's used topically as a treatment for skin rashes and lesions, in massage for tired, achy muscles and a variety of other alternative treatments.
Infections
In the 2007 issue of Journal of Perinatology, researchers outlined a study evaluating a bacterial outbreak of S. capitis in the neonatal intensive care unit at NAC in Nante, France. Between 2000 and 2003, 33 patients were infected with S. capitis. In neonatal beds with high colonies of the bacteria, researchers found bottles of almond oil. Samples of oil cultured from the bottle revealed that strains cultured from the infants genetically matched strains cultured from the almond oil. Because S. capitis is reported to thrive in lipid mediums, the researchers concluded that bottles of almond oil can harbor bacteria. While many essential oil manufacturers claim to provide sterile oil, once the bottles are open, bacterial contamination can occur.
Topical Reactions
A mild rash, or atopic dermatitis, is a common reaction to those sensitive to sweet almond oil.
Hives, a raised rash or itching can be signs of an atopic dermatitis or skin sensitivity to sweet almond oil. The best method of treating a topical reaction is to wash the area with soap and water and to use a topical steroid cream. If the symptoms worsen or hives spread to other areas of the body, it's wise to seek medical attention.
Systemic Reactions
Those allergy sufferers who have a nut sensitivity should be aware of anaphylactic symptoms associated with the use of sweet almond oil. Oral itching or swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, swelling of the extremities or loss of consciousness are all signs of anaphylaxis. According to the Allergy Network, one suffering an anaphylactic reaction must use a shot of epinephrine to interrupt symptoms or must seek urgent medical attention to prevent potential death. Those most prone to this type of reaction have food allergies and asthma, or eczema and asthma.
Drug Interactions
While many can tolerate sweet almond oil, adverse reactions can occur if it's used with some conditions and drugs. AETNA InteliHealth suggests that those who struggle with low blood sugar or take medication to regulate it seek advice from a doctor before using sweet almond oil. According to AETNA, animal studies indicate that the oil can lower blood sugar and can interfere with blood sugar medication.
Tags: blood sugar, cultured from, sweet almond, almond used, atopic dermatitis