Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Tea tree oil has been used traditionally in Australian Aboriginal medicine for centuries, primarily as an antiseptic for wounds and skin infections. Its use for eczema (atopic dermatitis) is based more on its general reputation as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent, rather than on robust scientific evidence specific to eczema. While small laboratory and animal studies have shown that tea tree oil can reduce inflammation and bacterial colonization, clinical studies in humans with eczema are limited and often inconclusive. Some small trials and anecdotal reports suggest that topical tea tree oil may help reduce itching and improve symptoms in some people with eczema, likely due to its ability to reduce Staphylococcus aureus colonization—a common trigger for eczema flare-ups. However, tea tree oil is also a known skin sensitizer and can cause allergic contact dermatitis, sometimes worsening eczema symptoms. Major dermatology guidelines do not recommend tea tree oil as a first-line or well-validated treatment for eczema, and most of the support for its use remains traditional or based on extrapolation from its general antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. People considering tea tree oil for eczema should use it with caution and ideally under medical supervision, as the risk of irritation or allergic reaction may outweigh possible benefits in some individuals.

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