What are the Cutaneous Effects of Extracted Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil, steam-distilled from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, growing on the swampy Australian south eastern coast. The Australian Aboriginals used crushed tea tree leaves to heal skin cuts, burns and infections. The name tea tree comes from 18th-century sailors who made tea that smelled like nutmeg from the leaves of the trees. Today, people use extracted tee tree oil for medical and cosmetic purposes, especially to treat cutaneous infections and eczema.

Beneficial Cutaneous Effects

• Tee tree oil is beneficial when applied topically, due to its anti-fungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Thanks to the terpenoids it contains, tee tree oil has proved very efficient in treating acne, onychomycosis, athlete's foot and ringworm. Its antiseptic properties make it ideal for cuts, burns, insect bites and stings, and boils.

Side Effects

• Undiluted tee tree oil can cause skin reactions such as allergic contact dermatitis, systemic contact dermatitis, linear immunoglobulin, erythema and systemic hypersensitivity reactions. When applying tea tree oil, you may experience stinging or burning at the site and the skin may become dry, red or swollen. Immediately consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching and swelling of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Examples

• In treating acne, apply 5 percent tea tree oil gel daily. For onychomycosis, also known as nail fungus, apply 100 percent tea tree oil solution twice daily for six months. According to the Journal of Family Practice, daily shampooing with 5 percent tea tree oil reduces the severity and extent of dandruff. The magazine names tea tree oil as a good alternative for patients who prefer a natural product, and can tolerate the distinctive tea tree oil fragrance. For athlete's foot, a study from the Australian Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, registered a marked clinical response in patients applying 25 percent or 50 percent tea tree oil solution twice daily for one month.

How to Use

• Only use tea tree oil on the skin and never swallow. Apply this product to the affected area, following all directions and warnings on the product package. Do not apply this product on the eye area, inside the ear, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.