Used in Australia for over 100 years for its skin-healing properties, here is why you should use tea tree oil for Eczema. When used correctly, diluted tea tree oil can used as an effective safe alternative to creams and ointments.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree. It should not be confused with the with the tea plant that is used to black and green teas, as they are not related.
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Eczema
The popularity of tea tree oil has risen due to the healing properties it boasts. It can help to ease the symptoms and severity of Eczema flares with its components.
- Antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from free radicals
- Antibacterial properties that can reduce infection and stop it spreading
- Antiseptic properties that can help soothe the skin
- Anti-inflammatory properties that lessen irritation
- Antimicrobial properties that help fight infection-causing
- Antifungal properties that help reduce itching
For an Eczema sufferer, all these healing components tea tree oil can provide sounds perfect! But BEFORE you start using tree oil, you must consider the formulation before applying.
Aside from Eczema, tea tree oil can also help with the following;
- Treat acne
- Treat minor skin irritations and wounds
- Reduce bacteria in the mouth and skin
- Cure dandruff
- Treat athlete’s foot and fungus
Research Proven
Tree tea oil had a breakthrough in a 2004 animal study. Dogs with Eczema got treated with a 10 percent tea tree oil cream and experienced significantly less itching symptoms than dogs who were treated with a commercial skin care cream.
Note that we do condone animal testing in the slightest here at Eczemafeed, but the results were conclusive in further research of the oil.
Recent research have shown tea tree oil to be one of the best essential oils for Eczema. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as wound-healing abilities that was report by the International Journal of Dermatology.
In a 2011 study, tea tree oil was proven to be more significantly effective than zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate creams at reducing Eczema symptoms. Zinc oxide paste was long used as an anti-itch agent and has anti-inflammatory properties as well, with the ability to increase the resurfacing of a skin wound. This made the study a revelation in how tea tree oil was used for Eczema sufferers.
Using Tea Tree Oil for Eczema
There are many things to consider when using tea tree oil to treat your Eczema. To get the best possible results, you should take the time to make sure you apply it properly in the right formulation.
Selection
First thing is focus on the quality of the oil. Do not go for any low grade oils as they will be more prone to contamination during the production phase. High-quality is crucial to results. Ensure that the oil is preferably organic and 100 percent. For an ease of mind, look up reviews of the brand.
Tea tree oils are accessible as you can usually find them in your local health store or online. Buy from a reliable supplier that you trust. It is important that you check where the oils are derived from. Most are from the Australian Melaleuca
tree but can be produced from different types of Melaleuca trees.
The type of Melaleuca tree does not matter, just ensure that the oil is 100 percent tea tree oil. The most effective tea tree oils with terpinen as the main antiseptic agent is at around 10 to 40 percent terpinen concentration.
Product reviews are your best source of which oil to buy. Once purchased, ensure that the oil is not exposed to sunlight and stored in a cool, dark place. Light can alter the quality of the oil and increase its potency. If it oxidizes , it can cause a stronger allergic reaction.
Use carrier oils with tea tree oil
Undiluted tea tree oil can make your Eczema worse. You should never apply undiluted tea tree oil as it will dry out your skin, making your Eczema worse with a potent smell.
To avoid the risk of irritation and inflammation, you can use carrier oils to dilute the essential tea tree oil. These carrier oils can help aid with moisturization;
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Sunflower oil
- Almond oil
- Jojoba oil
- Avocado oil
Note that you should ensure that you are not allergic to these oils. Do a test with the carrier oil before mixing it with tea tree oil. If tea tree oil does not work for you, it may be your formulation rather than the oil itself.
To patch test the carrier oils or the tea tree oil formulation, apply a coin size amount of the oil on your forearm. If you do not see any irritation with 24 hours, it should be generally safe to use.
For 12 drops of the carrier, add 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil. Work on the ration of 1:12 to 1:6, tea tree oil to carrier oil.
Applying Tea Tree Oil for Eczema
Tea tree oil has many uses. You can apply the oil on various parts of your body including your hands and scalp.
When using it on your hands, only use a small coin sized amount and let the oil blend into your skin. Let it absorb and don’t wash it off. You can use soaps containing tea tree oil, but ensure that there aren’t any harmful ingredients like fragrances or alcohol. Go for an all-natural formula.
One common symptom of Eczema is dandruff. Tea tree oil can be used to deal with the condition, and in a study in 2002 it was found that 5 percent tree oil shampoo was effective in clearing dandruff. You can add 2 to 3 drops of undiluted tea tree oil into your regular shampoo as the shampoo acts as a carrier.
If selecting any shampoo products with tea tree oil, ensure that it has at least 5 percent tree oil and is all-natural. Like with soaps, harmful ingredients can irritate your symptoms further.
The Risks of Tea Tree Oil
Despite tea tree oil being generally safe to use, it should noted that undiluted oil can cause minor irritation and inflammation. It is toxic when ingested and should be used with caution for pregnant or breastfeeding moms.
Tree oil has been linked to prepurbetal gynecomastia according to research. So it should be avoided for boys. Do NOT use the oil on an infant younger than 6 months. It is not recommended for young children as they can ingest.
Final Say: Tea Tree Oil for Eczema
Eczema sufferers should definitely look into incorporating tea tree oil into their skin routine because of its well known healing qualities. It can be used a variety of products and will be able to control your flare-ups if used correctly.
Before using tea tree oil, consult your doctor for patch tests and formula recommendations for the oil.
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