In recent years, many have turned to essential oil diffusers as a means to promote relaxation and wellness. However, a troubling incident involving a young woman from London has raised serious concerns about their safety. Twenty-four-year-old Lucy Harrison found herself in a harrowing situation when she suffered severe chemical burns to her face after being accidentally sprayed by her diffuser.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Harrison recounted the frightening turn of events. “Just four days ago, I never would have imagined I’d end up with chemical burns on my face and eyes,” she wrote. Lucy shared that she and her partner were enjoying a cozy evening at home with her diffuser running a mix of undiluted patchouli oil among other essential oils. While preparing to watch a movie, she leaned in to turn off the device when disaster struck. “As I reached for the button, some vapor from the diffuser sprayed onto my face. I didn’t think much of it at the time,” she explained.
Although she knew essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin, Harrison didn’t connect the dots that the vaporized oil could have the same harmful effect. She assumed she was in the clear and returned to her movie. Hours later, while tending to the fire, she felt a sudden sting on her face. Initially, she suspected it might be a burn from the flames, even though she hadn’t touched them. “I ran cold water over my face for ten minutes and then soaked it in a bowl of cold water while I dialed 111 for advice,” she recalled. The operator reassured her that she had only sustained first-degree burns and that she could treat them at home with aloe vera and cold compresses.
However, when Lucy woke up in the middle of the night, she realized her condition had deteriorated. “My face was swollen, my eyes were watering uncontrollably, and my skin looked infected,” she said. Alarmed, she sought medical attention again and was directed to the emergency room. After a lengthy wait and treatment, doctors confirmed that she had a chemical burn from the essential oils. “Washing off the oils isn’t as straightforward as just using soap and water,” Lucy learned. “Soaking my face was essentially making things worse.”
Dermatologist Dr. Adam Chen explains that undiluted patchouli oil can indeed cause burns, especially when exposed to sunlight. “Patchouli oil is known for its phototoxic reactions. If the oil is on the skin and you’re exposed to sunlight, severe reactions can occur,” he stated. Fortunately, Lucy considers herself lucky that her injuries were not more severe; however, she now faces the possibility of permanent eye damage and facial scarring. “I’ve decided to stop using essential oils altogether,” she said, hoping her story serves as a warning to others.
For anyone using essential oils, Lucy’s experience highlights the importance of caution. If you notice any discomfort after applying essential oils, be sure to seek medical advice promptly. While she felt hesitant to share her photos and story, she believes it’s crucial to raise awareness. “If my experience can prevent even one person from going through what I did, then it’s worth it,” she emphasized.
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In summary, Lucy Harrison’s unfortunate encounter with an essential oil diffuser serves as a critical reminder of the potential hazards associated with essential oils. Understanding their proper use is essential to avoid serious injuries.