Treating eczema with tea tree oil, is it really effective?

Tea tree oil content and its benefits for eczema

Quoted from Healthline, various ingredients in tea tree oil are reported to have good potential for treating eczema. Tea tree oil is armed with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties that can relieve symptoms of eczema and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of the skin.

This tree oil also contains antioxidants to help protect the skin from free radicals, which can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Then, how effective is it tea tree oil to treat eczema?

Still citing Healthline, various studies have proven tea tree oil effective for you to make a natural alternative to treat eczema.

A 2011 study found that tea tree oil was much more effective at reducing eczema symptoms than using topical medications containing zinc oxide, clobetasone butyrate, or ichthammol.

The study corroborates the report of an earlier research published in 2004, which reported that tea tree oil is effective in treating eczema in dogs after 10 days of routine use compared to other skin care creams.

However, until now there has been no research showing that tea tree oil is effective in treating eczema in babies. Therefore, you should first consult your doctor before using it on your little one.

How to use?

source: healthline.com

Before applying it directly to problem skin, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Check the packaging

Choose tea tree oil that is organic, 100% pure without any preservatives or chemical additives. Then, read the ingredient label and pick up a product that contains the Latin name for the tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia . Don't choose an oil from the Melaleuca tree species other than this.

Also, choose an oil that lists the terpinen concentration. Terpinen is the main antiseptic agent in tea tree oil. Choose an oil with a concentration of 10-40 percent terpinen.

2. Mix with solvent oil

Tea tree oil applied directly to the skin can make eczema symptoms worse because it is drying.

So first you have to mix it with essential solvent oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or sunflower seed oil. In a container, mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of the oil solvent of your choice.

3. Check for allergies first

To avoid an allergic reaction, you need to test it first by rubbing a little oil on the back of the hand (which does not experience eczema symptoms). Let stand for 24 hours and see the progress.

If your skin is fine, then you can use tea tree oil to treat eczema. If then there is skin irritation which is indicated by: