Evening primrose is a kind of plant which is identifiable because of its yellow flowers that bloom during the evening. The oil contains in the Evening Primrose has an essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid. These fatty acids are needed for its body to grow and develop. For a number of decades, the oil extracted from the plant has been used to help people with dermatitis problems.

This skin condition causes your skin to become inflamed, feels itchy, red and scaly. Often times, it is due to allergies or some form of trigger causing substances from a food or chemical in the environment. Substances like foods, pollen, pet dander, certain soaps, and other materials as well as chemicals contacting the skin are common triggers. This special plant oil has been able to aid in treating the inflammation this type of dermatitis causes. Recently this plant has been used to treat other conditions that involve inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The oil from the Evening Primrose plant is usually extracted from its seeds. Even though several studies showed that it has been small and results are mixed, this plant oil has the modest benefits for skin irritations such as eczema, rheumatoid arthritis and PMS. Enough evidence is not available yet to support the use of the Evening primrose oil for other health issues. As a matter of fact, it is still well tolerated by most people with only mild side effects like gastrointestinal upset or mild headaches.

Usually, the capsules containing the evening primrose oil can be purchased at natural healthcare stores. Thus, you have to read the ingredients on the labels to find the essential components that make this oil effective for your skin irritation. Remember that it has to contain the GLA omega-6 essential fatty acid. It is also advisable to consult a pediatrician before administering any kind of treatment to your child. Borage oil and omega 3 fatty acids have also proven very useful for eczema reactions. Flax seed oil can be added to foods, including use as a salad oil.

Some eczema is found to be the result of an allergic reaction causing itchiness, redness and scaling in the skin. The evening primrose plant oil can be use to treat the allergic reaction and the itchiness of an individual. Never forget that keeping a log of irritation triggers is an important thing in one's journey for eczema control.