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Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has been scientifically investigated only relatively

recently. Some sources suggest beneficial medical properties when

applied topically, including antiviral[7], antibacterial,

antifungal, and antiseptic qualities. It also has beneficial

cosmetic properties.[8]

Tea tree oil is active against Staphylococcus aureus, including

MRSA.[9]. Tea tree oil is less successful for application in the

nose.[10] Also, there is clinical evidence that topical

dermatological preparations containing tea tree oil may be more

effective than conventional antibiotics in preventing transmission

of CA-MRSA.[11]

Recent studies support a role for the topical application of tea

tree oil in skin care and for the treatment of various diseases and

conditions. Tea tree oil appears to be effective against bacteria,

viruses, fungal infections, mites such as scabies, and lice such as

head lice. A 2008 study of in vitro toxicity showed a tea tree oil

preparation was more effective against head lice than permethrin, a

popular pharmaceutical remedy.[12]

In the treatment of moderate common acne, topical application of 5%

tea tree oil has shown an effect comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide,

albeit with slower onset of action.[13]

Tea tree oil is a known antifungal agent, effective in vitro

against multiple dermatophytes found on the skin.[14] In vivo,

shampoo with 5% tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective

treatment for dandruff due to its ability to treat Malassezia

furfur, the most common cause of the condition.[15]

One clinical study found that 100% tea tree oil administered

topically, combined with debridement, was comparable to

clotrimazole in effectiveness against onychomycosis, the most

frequent cause of nail disease.[16]

The effectiveness of topical tea tree oil preparations for the

treatment of the yeast infection Candidiasis is supported by its

ability to kill Candida in vitro.[17]

There is some very limited research that has shown that tea tree

oil may have topical antiviral activity, especially against the

herpes virus (cold sores), chicken pox, shingles blisters, etc.[18]

One study has shown a 5% tea tree oil solution to be more effective

than commercial medications against the scabies mite in an in vitro

situation.[19]