Walnut oil is a relatively uncommon vegetable oil that contains healthy fatty acids. You can cook with this oil and, like all plant-based oils, walnut oil moisturizes your skin. It can help prevent dry, flaky skin and soothe the irritation that develops from itching too much. However, walnut oil is not effective or appropriate for all types of rashes, and you should be very cautious if you have nut allergies. Consult with your dermatologist if you have a chronic rash.
Skin Rashes
A rash is a change of your skin that affects its color, appearance or texture. Rashes may be localized to one region of your body or they may affect a large surface area. Rashes may cause your skin to change color or become itchy, inflamed, painful, bumpy, dry, cracked or blistered. According to MedlinePlus, the causes of rashes vary widely and include dry skin, allergic reactions, chemical sensitivity, toxicity, stress, weather extremes, poor hygiene, infections and disease conditions. Common diseases and conditions that involve rashes include eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, shingles, measles and chicken pox.
Walnut Oil
Walnut oil is often extracted from Persian walnuts, which are especially rich in linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid. Walnut oil is produced primarily in France, California, Australia and New Zealand. Walnut oil is edible and can be used for cooking or as a dietary supplement, but it is much more expensive than other healthy oils such as olive oil and flaxseed oil.
Applying Walnut Oil to Rashes
Like virtually any plant-based oil, walnut oil can be an effective remedy for certain rashes, especially those caused by dry skin and inflammation, according to the book “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine.” Walnut oil is moisturizing, and its mix of fatty acids display mild anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Walnut oil may help reduce the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, but it is not a cure or even commonly considered a natural remedy.
Cautions
Applying walnut oil to your skin may cause an allergic reaction. According to “Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine,” tree nut allergies are the most common food allergies in the United States, and they occur because your immune system mistakenly interprets the proteins in the nuts as a harmful substance. If you are allergic to other tree nuts, consuming or coming into contact with walnut oil may trigger your body to produce antibodies, which often results in atopic dermatitis and hives. Reactions can occur within minutes or several hours after consuming the allergen. If you suspect you have an allergy to one or more tree nuts, consult with an allergist or immunologist before applying walnut oil to your skin.
