Yet studies suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective alternative for relieving symptoms ( 31, 32). Symptoms include peeling, cracking, blisters, and redness.Īntifungal medications are considered standard treatment for athlete’s foot. Known medically as tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection on the feet that can also spread to the toenails and hands. Apply to the affected area up to twice per day until symptoms resolve.Īpplying a tea tree oil mixture may help combat skin inflammation related to contact dermatitis or insect bites.Īthlete’s foot can be frustratingly hard to control.Mix well, and store in a sealed container.Combine 10 drops tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil.Use this recipe to relieve inflamed skin: Tea tree oil has been used worldwide to treat this irritating condition and has been found to reduce the number of mites and reduce inflammation ( 29). One study found that tea tree oil applied as a gel to rosacea reduced inflammation and redness ( 28).ĭemodex blepharitis is inflammation around the eyes and eyelids related to Demodex mites. In addition, tea tree oil may provide relief from bug bite reactions by reducing the itching, redness, and swelling that occurs when your body releases histamine to defend against the insect’s saliva ( 27). In a study comparing the effects of different treatments for contact dermatitis, tea tree oil was found to reduce symptoms by 40%, which was significantly more than standard medications applied to the skin ( 26). Exposure to the allergen leads to red, itchy, and sometimes painful skin.īoth animal and human research suggest that applying tea tree oil may help reduce the severity of these symptoms ( 24, 25, 26). Tea tree oil may help relieve inflamed skin.Ī common form of skin irritation is contact dermatitis, which occurs when your skin comes in contact with an allergen, such as nickel. Tea tree oil appears to be as effective against fungal nail infections as antifungal medications applied to the area. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after applying in order to avoid spreading the fungus to other areas. You can use a few drops of tea tree oil alone or mix it with an equal amount of coconut oil and apply it to the affected area. At the end of the study, about 60% of people in each group experienced partial or full resolution of the fungus ( 19). In a controlled study, people with nail fungus used straight tea tree oil or an antifungal medication for 6 months. Tea tree oil has been shown to help get rid of nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies, with fewer side effects than traditional medications ( 17, 18, 19). There are medications that can treat nail fungus, but some people may prefer a more natural approach. Although they aren’t dangerous, they can be unsightly. Read on to learn about the many uses and benefits of this oil.įungal nail infections are quite common. ![]() These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valued natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection, and promoting healing. Terpinen-4-ol also appears to increase the activity of your white blood cells, which help fight germs and other foreign invaders ( 3). Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that have been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi ( 1, 2). Diluted forms are also available, ranging from 5–50% strength in products designed for the skin. Today, tea tree oil is widely available as a 100% undiluted, or neat, oil. ![]() ![]() These native Australians crush tea tree leaves to extract the oil, then inhale it to treat coughs and colds or apply it directly to the skin for healing. Tea tree oil has been used as a traditional medicine by the Aboriginal people of Australia for centuries. Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.Īlthough Melaleuca alternifolia is known as the tea tree, it should not be confused with the plant whose leaves are used to make black, green, and oolong tea. ![]() What is tea tree oil and how does it work?
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