Explain the precautions for working with essential oils

What will be an ideal response?

A skin test should always be done on clients and on practitioners themselves before any essential oil is used, even if the essential oil has been used before. As stated in the Clinical Alert on p. 273 people can develop allergies throughout their lives, even to substances to which they have not previously been allergic.
Essential oils should NEVER be used near the eyes. Pregnancy is a consideration, especially during the first trimester. A qualified aromatherapist should be consulted for information about essential oils that work well and essential oils that are contraindicated. Some safe oils for use during pregnancy are rose, neroli, lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile, geranium, sandalwood, spearmint, frankincense, and the citruses. A 1% dilution of essential oil to carrier oil should be used on pregnant clients, or one drop added to bath water. When in doubt, however, do not use essential oils.
Use essential oils cautiously with clients who are fragile, including babies, small children, the aged, and those who have serious health problems such as asthma, epilepsy, or heart disease. No more than a 1% dilution of essential oil to carrier oil, or one drop added to bath water, should be used for these clients. Again, when in doubt, do not use essential oils.
Caution should be used with essential oils that can result in photosensitivity. For example, bergamot contains a natural chemical called bergaptene that causes the skin to become very sensitive to ultraviolet light. If bergamot is applied and the skin is exposed to sunlight or light from sun lamps or tanning beds, the reaction can be anywhere from mild (just reddening of the skin) to severe (acute lesions and brown spots). Mild reactions usually resolve within a day or so. However, severe reactions can take weeks to resolve with the accompanying brown spots taking months or years to completely disappear. Removing the bergaptene does not hinder the benefits of the essential oil so it is recommended that bergaptene-free bergamot be used whenever possible.
If taking homeopathic remedies, consult a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils since they may counteract the action of the homeopathic remedy.