MRSA Treatment With Tea Tree Oil
An MRSA infection is a type of staph infection resistant to methicillin. It is officially known as a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcu aureus, which may be acquired through community (CA-MRSA) or in a hospital (HA-MRSA). Because this strain of bacteria is highly resistant to a variety of antibiotics and is constantly adapting to become more resistant, many people and researchers are seeking alternative methods to deal with the infection, including the use of tea tree oil.
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MRSA Infections
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Between 20 to 30 percent of the population carries the staph bacteria on their skin or in their nasal passages. Many people are colonized with the bacteria living on their body but may never become infected. As a result, others may unknowingly come in contact with the bacteria that leads to serious infection. You may acquire MRSA through a cut, sore, catheter or inhalation. Skin abscesses are very common but if the MRSA infects the blood, bones or heart hospitalization may be necessary. If you have a concern about a boil, fever, flu-like symptoms or rash that won't go away contact your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Tea Tree Oil
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Tea tree oil is also known as Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil is a topical oil that has antimicrobial properties, according to the Mayo Clinic. It has been used to help fight acne, contact dermatitis and promote skin health. It is used as an alternative medicinal source in many cultures because of its medicinal properties. Tea tree oil taken orally may be toxic. Never consume the oil. In rare instances some patients develop an allergy to tea tree oil. Always consult your doctor if symptom become worse or new symptoms develop.
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Application
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Using tea tree oil on the skin and as a nasal ointment has shown success in killing MRSA bacteria and eradicating colonization. It can be applied on and around the area of skin irritation. It may be irritating to actual lesions, but can be applied to boils to help kill the bacteria developing. Some more recent methods developed at Manchester Metropolitan University are using tea tree oil with yeast and other essential oils to more effectively combat colonization. More research needs to be conducted on the subject to provide definitive guidelines.
Research
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While the Mayo Clinic states that tea tree oil is effective in fighting MRSA bacteria, it only gives it a "C" grade for endorsement because there is still unclear scientific evidence. While initial reports and anecdotal evidence strongly suggest that there is something beneficial about tea tree oil, the Mayo Clinic is waiting for more research prior to upgrading this oil's ability to adequately fight MRSA. The research at Manchester Metropolitan University is also promising but more research is needed to confirm results and refine procedures and dosage. You should consider tea tree oil as a supplement to proper medical diagnosis and prescription.
Doctor Care
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An MRSA staph infection is nothing to take lightly. A person can get seriously ill and septic very shortly after contracting the infection. You should always look for traditional antibiotic medicines to eradicate the MRSA if you have an infection. Tea tree oil may be effective in preventing reoccurrence or spreading of the infection to others. Those who have dealt with an MRSA infection in the past may find tea tree oil a smart choice in prevention to reduce the frequency antibiotics are required. This is important because the more often you take antibiotics, the higher resistance the MRSA may have to them. Your doctor can do the proper tests and advise you of the proper treatment plan.
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