Applications of tea tree oil

Tea tree oil (tea oil) is extracted from a plant native to Australia. Tea tree oil has been used as a topical treatment by Aboriginal people for centuries. The following article will help us learn more about the application of tea tree oil.

Using tea tree oil offers the following benefits:
Reduces acne: Research shows that a treatment gel containing tea tree oil can be effective in reducing acne. Reduces Dandruff: A tea tree oil shampoo used for four weeks has been shown to be effective in treating dandruff. Head lice: When used in combination with lavender oil, tea tree oil has been shown to be effective in treating nits. Mushrooms: Research has not shown tea tree oil to be used in its pure form or in combination with other antifungal therapies. The results of using tea tree oil can vary as there is no standardized method for harvesting tea tree oil or creating products containing the essential oil.
Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and antifungal agent. One study found that diluted tea tree oil was as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide in controlling symptoms of acne. It can be effective against toenail fungus. Studies on tea tree oil for other conditions like gum disease, vaginal infections, and dandruff.
Tea tree oil has been suggested as a topical treatment for herpes labialis (common cold sore), but it does not appear to be effective. Some laboratory studies suggest that tea tree essential oil may be effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a type of staph infection that is resistant to many antibiotics.

Tea tree oil is only a topical treatment, it should not be taken by mouth.
Because tea tree oil is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. The concentrations of tea tree oil used in studies have varied depending on the medical condition. For example, a 5% tea tree oil gel may be used for acne, while a 10% or higher tea tree oil cream may be used for athlete's foot. A 100% tea tree oil solution has been used to treat foot fungus. If you use tea tree oil, follow the directions on the label or get advice from your doctor.
For acne : Use 5% tea tree oil applied daily. For infiltration of eyelashes (eye demodicosis): Exfoliate weekly using 50% tea tree oil along with daily exfoliation with 10% tea tree shampoo or oil, apply a or twice daily for 3-5 minutes for up to 6 weeks. For nail fungus (onychomycosis): 100% tea tree oil solution applied twice daily for 6 months. For children, tea tree oil is used as follows:
For children with acne: 5% tea tree oil oil applied daily. For children with skin disease (ocular demodicosis): Weekly exfoliation using 50% tea tree oil and daily eyelid massage with 5% tea tree ointment have been used.

When used topically, tea tree oil is generally safe and may be helpful in treating acne and other superficial skin infections. Avoid oral use of tea tree oil, which is toxic when swallowed.
Most people can use tea tree oil topically without problems. However, tea tree oil can cause:
Skin irritation Allergic skin rash (dermatitis) Itching Sour Burning Scaly Red Dryness Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. Serious side effects may occur, including:
Confusion Lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements (ataxia) Decreased level of consciousness Apply a product containing tea tree oil to the skin with lavender oil may not be safe for boys who have not yet reached puberty. These products may have hormone effects that can disrupt the normal hormones in a baby boy's body. In some cases, this has resulted in boys developing abnormal breasts known as gynecomastia.
Tea tree oil is not safe to take by mouth. Do not take tea tree oil by mouth. As a general rule never take undiluted essential oils by mouth due to the potential for serious side effects. Taking tea tree oil by mouth can cause confusion, inability to walk, unsteadiness, rash, and coma.
Although tea tree oil is often used in combination with other medications when treating bacterial or fungal skin conditions, there is currently no evidence for a drug interaction.

References: Mayoclinc.org; Webmd.com