Uses of Tea Tree Oil for Skin

Tea tree oil, from the Melaleuca alternafolia tree, is an effective alternative remedy for skin problems caused by bacteria, fungi, inflammation and viruses. Tea tree oil is available in the form of creams, essential oils and oil mixtures, and is used to treat external skin conditions.

Acne

Tea tree oil is a common alternative treatment for acne. When applied topically, Tea tree oil kills the bacteria that causes acne and reduces inflammation to help clear skin.

Athlete's Foot

A 2002 study at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia concluded that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for athlete's foot. Treatment should be with 50 percent or 25 percent tea tree oil, applied twice daily for several weeks.

Staph Infections

According to a 2004 study by M. S. Dryden, S. Dailly and M. Crouch, published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, tea tree oil creams are as effective as traditional antibiotics at treating skin infections caused by staphylococcus bacteria.

Other Skin Conditions

Topical tea tree oil is safe and effective for boils, cold sores, cuts, dandruff, dry skin, insect bites and minor burns. Tea tree oil encourages the formation of scar tissue to help skin heal.

Warning

High concentrations of tea tree oil may cause rashes or blisters. Always dilute pure tea tree oil before use, or consider buying diluted tea tree products. Check for allergic reactions by doing a skin patch test before applying tea tree products to skin.

References

• Natural Acne Treatments
• National Center for Biotechnology Information
• Bastyr Center for Natural Health

Resources

• Healthy Oil Planet
• Tree Tree Oil Uses