Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. While research has yet to definitively prove the safety and effectiveness of tea tree oil, it has been used for its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties for the treatment of conditions like athlete's foot, acne and fungal infections of the nails, advises the Mayo Clinic. As with any treatment option, be sure to consult your health care provider before starting treatment with tea tree oil or if you experience any side effects.
Skin Reactions
Some people experience contact dermatitis (skin allergy) after applying tea tree oil to the skin. The reaction can vary from a mild, itchy rash to severe blisters, and may be worse in people with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema, advises the Mayo Clinic. If you have allergies to plants of the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family, like guava, eucalyptus, clove or allspice, you have an increased risk of an allergic reaction to tea tree oil, according to the American Cancer Society. Your chance of experiencing an allergic reaction to tea tree oil also increases if you are sensitive to turpentine or pine, because they have similar chemical properties. Older tea tree oil may cause more skin reaction than fresh products, because tea tree oil begins to breakdown into more dangerous substances when exposed to air, light and heat.
Toxicity
When taken orally, tea tree oil may be toxic, advises the American Cancer Society. People have reported confusion, drowsiness, coma, hallucinations, unsteadiness, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, blood cell abnormalities, stomach upset and severe rashes after swallowing tea tree oil. You should keep all tea tree oil products out of reach of children and pets.
When applied to the skin in large quantities, tea tree oil may be absorbed into the body, leading to severe side effects. MedlinePlus advises that when large quantities of tea tree oil were applied to the skin of animals, common reactions included difficulty walking, weakness, slow brain functioning, muscle tremor and poor coordination.
Gynecomastia
Topical application of tea tree oil may lead to breast enlargement (gynecomastia) in healthy prepubescent boys, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the study, three boys developed gynecomastia after applying products containing tea tree oil and lavender. Shortly after the use of the products was discontinued, the gynecomastia went away. The study goes on to state that both lavender and tea tree oil produce estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities, which may be the reason for the gynecomastia.
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Without proper research, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using tea tree oil. When given tea tree oil, animals in labor experienced a decreased force of spontaneous contractions, which can be dangerous to both mother and baby, advises the Mayo Clinic. Breastfeeding women should avoid using tea tree oil on the breast or nipple, because the nursing baby may absorb it.
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