Background: Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disease characterized by erythema, scaling, pruritus over the areas of the scalp, face, ears, sternum and upper back. Tea tree oil is rich in terpene alcohols such as terpinen-4-ol which is thought to be the active germicidal component. Objective: To determine the efficacy of 5% tea tree oil cleanser in the treatment of mild-moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis and to determine the adverse side effects. Methods: Forty-five patients with clinical signs of seborrheic dermatitis were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups: mild cleanser and the 5% tea tree oil group. This study was done as a double-blind randomized controlled trial for 4 weeks. The parameters - area involved, erythema, scaling, and Seborrehea Area and Severity Index were taken at baseline and weekly for 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks, the difference of the two groups were compared using paired t-test. Results: After 4 weeks, significant clinical improvement of the area involved, erythema, and scaling and the reduction of Seborrhea Area and Severity Conclusion The use of 5% tea tree oil cleanser provides significant improvement in the treatment of mild-moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis with no adverse side effects.
Dermatitis, Seborrheic ; Tea Tree Oil

Introduction: The researchers aimed to determine the efficacy of tea tree oil in comparison to benzoyl peroxide in treating mild acne. This study also aimed to identify the side effects of both treatment modalities. Methods: Using a randomized single blinded controlled clinical trial, teenagers and young adults with mild acne vulgaris were allocated to receive tea tree oil gel or benzoyl peroxide for four weeks. The effectiveness of the agents was measured using the Investigator's Global Assessment Scale. Posttreatment scores were compared with the baseline within groups. The difference was compared between the two study arms. Adverse reactions to the two agents were also noted. Results : Both tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide groups showed a significant decrease in the posttreatment lesion counts compared to the baseline, however when the mean differences were compared between groups, the difference was not significant. Conclusion Tea tree oil is comparable to benzoyl peroxide in treating mild acne vulgaris among teenagers and young adults.
Tea Tree Oil ; Benzoyl Peroxide

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of lid scrub with petroleum jelly versus lid scrub with tea tree oil and tea tree facial wash in patients with symptomatic blepharitis associated with above-normal Demodex counts Methods: Patients with symptomatic anterior blepharitis (AB), meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), or mixed blepharitis (MB) were recruited into the study. Pertinent data, including ocular symptoms and findings, were recorded. Digital photographs of the lid margins were taken. Lash sampling was done using the modified Coston method for lash epilation. Patients with below-normal Demodex counts (DC <5) were excluded while those with DC ≥5 were randomly assigned to one of either treatment regimen: (1) lid scrub with tea tree oil and tea tree facial wash (The Body Wash®, control group), or (2) lid scrub with petroleum jelly (Apollo Pure Petroleum Jelly®, study drug). Lid scrub with the tea tree oil (TTO) or petroleum jelly was administered at the clinic during the initial visit and at 2-week intervals thereafter for 6 weeks. Patients were instructed to apply tea tree (TT) facial wash or petroleum jelly at home on specified intervals daily. DC posttreatment was recorded, and digital photographs of the eyelids were taken at the end of treatment. Results: Thirteen patients were included in the study; 5 in the TTO and 8 petroleum jelly. In the TTO group, 3 patients had decrease in DC and 2 an increase, but all patients reported decrease in the severity and frequency of ocular symptoms. In the petroleum jelly group, 5 patients had decrease in DC after 6 weeks, while the remaining 3 had opposite results. All reported a general improvement in their symptoms. No adverse reactions were observed in either treatment groups. Conclusion Lid scrub with petroleum jelly caused a significant reduction (p<0.05) in Demodex counts compared to lid scrub with tea tree oil and tea tree facial wash. Petroleum jelly may have some effect in the eradication of Demodex mites in cases of Demodex-induced blepharitis. Although lid scrub with petroleum jelly and tea tree oil and tea tree facial wash both produced a decrease in Demodex counts and a decrease in the frequency and severity of ocular symptoms after 6 weeks of treatment, the presence of some conflicting results suggests that further studies with more patients should be initiated.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction ; Petrolatum ; Tea Tree Oil

Background: Common warts are a common malady among patients. Not only does it affect the person physically but also mentally and socially. Several treatment modalities are available; however, the major concerns are the treatment cost and adverse effect profile. Salicylic + lactic acid (SLA) solution is one of the standard treatment modalities owing to its strong keratolytic properties; however, its cost and adverse effects limit its use among patients. A cost-effective and safe alternative treatment is ideal to bring about a more favorable clinical outcome and better patient satisfaction. 100% tea tree oil (TTO) solution was used in this study due to its natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: The study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of 100% TTO versus SLA solution in the treatment of common warts. Methods: A total of 17 patients with a total of 74 warts were included in the study. Each wart was assigned to either of the two treatment groups. the SLA group and the 100% TTO group. A treatment period of 6 weeks was used to assess the effectiveness of both treatment groups. Results: The study showed no significant difference between the SLA solution and 100% TTO in the treatment of common warts. The 100% tea tree group reported lesser adverse effects. Both treatment groups reported favorable treatment satisfaction. Conclusion 100% TTO is a potentially safe and cost-effective alternative in the treatment of common warts.
Lactic Acid ; Salicylic Acid ; Tea Tree Oil

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of tea tree oil in denture cleaners. A self-curing denture resin was used to make the experimental specimen (12 mm×2 mm). A saline solution was used as the control. To observe surface changes after cleaning, the microhardness and color of the experimental specimen's surface were analyzed. For the antibacterial activity test, Candida albicans was used. The microhardness and color of the surface remained unchanged after cleaning. The result of the antibacterial activity test revealed that the tea tree oil-containing solutions had a more enhanced antibacterial effect than did the saline solution. Therefore, these results suggest that the tea tree oil-containing solution is a promising denture cleaners.
Candida albicans ; Dentures* ; Sodium Chloride ; Tea Tree Oil ; Tea* ; Trees*

Human ; Male ; Adult ; Pharmaceutical Solutions ; Tinea Pedis ; Tea Tree Oil

PURPOSE: The authors of the present study report a case of phthiriasis palpebrarum treated with petrolatum ointment and tea tree oil in a 12-month-old boy. CASE SUMMARY: A bluish-gray macule and blood clots were found on the central portion of the upper eyelid of a boy who had rubbed his eyelid vigorously 1 week prior. Several 0.5 mm sized brownish-gray nits and 1.6 mm sized lice on the eyelashes were visible and was diagnosed with phthiriasis palpebrarum after light microscopic examination. The nits and lice were gently removed mechanically with the help of a white petrolatum ointment (Vaseline) and the eyelashes were cleaned with 50% tea tree oil. Nits and lice were successfully eradicated without recurrence 10 days after daily treatment with petrolatum ointment and 10% tea tree oil eyelash cleansing.
Child ; Eyelashes ; Eyelids ; Humans ; Infant ; Light ; Pediculus ; Petrolatum ; Phthiraptera ; Recurrence ; Tea ; Tea Tree Oil

BACKGROUND: Dengue Fever (DF) and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) are now considered as major health problems in the Philippines. N,N,-dietyl-3-toluamide (DEET) is recognized as the most effective against Aedes aegypti. However, the concern about its use have underscored the need to find a safer alternative repellent.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine and compare the repellent activity of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil against Aedes aegypti with 7% DEET using a double-blind controlled experimental trial
METHODOLOGY: Twenty healthy subjects were allocated systematically by alternate assignment into three treatment groups (Control vs. Tea Tree oil, control vs. 7 percent DEET, Tea Tree oil vs DEET). All subjects were exposed to Aedes aegypti for 5 minutes every hour for 8 hours and the number of mosquitoes biting/landing were recorded and compared for each treatment group
RESULTS: Fifty percent tea tree oil has a repellent activity against Aedes aegypti and its efficacy is comparable to 7% DEET. Both treatments were equally effective in repelling mosquitoes for 7 hours. No cutaneous reactions to both repellents were noted
CONCLUSION: The efficacy of tea tree oil is comparable to 7% DEET and is recommended as an alternative natural mosquito repellent.

Human ; Aedes ; Deet ; Dengue ; Healthy Volunteers ; Insect Repellents ; Melaleuca ; Severe Dengue ; Tea ; Tea Tree Oil ; Trees

PURPOSE: The study is to investigate the effects of tea tree oil gargling on oral cavity micro-organism growth and on the perceived discomfort of patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design was used to determine the effects of tea tree oil gargling on oral cavity for 20 second after using it for one week, twice a day. The sample consisted of two groups of patients receiving chemotherapy : 19 patients in experimental and 20 patients in control group. The instruments used in the study were Oral Assessment Guide(OAG), a measure of perceived symptoms on oral cavity, and a test of oral mucosal micro-organism culture. The data were analyzed using chi-square test, repeated measure of ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in micro-organism culture test of oral mucosa. The experimental group showed a lower number and fewer kinds of micro-organisms than the control group. CONCLUSION: It is considered that use of tea tree oil is effective in infection control of the oral cavity.
Drug Therapy* ; Humans ; Infection Control ; Mouth Mucosa ; Mouth* ; Tea Tree Oil

PURPOSE: The study is to investigate the effects of tea tree oil gargling on oral cavity micro-organism growth and on the perceived discomfort of patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design was used to determine the effects of tea tree oil gargling on oral cavity for 20 second after using it for one week, twice a day. The sample consisted of two groups of patients receiving chemotherapy : 19 patients in experimental and 20 patients in control group. The instruments used in the study were Oral Assessment Guide(OAG), a measure of perceived symptoms on oral cavity, and a test of oral mucosal micro-organism culture. The data were analyzed using chi-square test, repeated measure of ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in micro-organism culture test of oral mucosa. The experimental group showed a lower number and fewer kinds of micro-organisms than the control group. CONCLUSION: It is considered that use of tea tree oil is effective in infection control of the oral cavity.
Drug Therapy* ; Humans ; Infection Control ; Mouth Mucosa ; Mouth* ; Tea Tree Oil