Tea tree oil, the essential oil extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, is a homeopathic remedy used in the treatment of skin conditions, such as athlete's foot, acne and dandruff. According to the Mayo Clinic, tea tree oil is also used for ailments, including eye infections, gingivitis, genital herpes and vaginal infections. Diluted tea tree oil applied topically shows few side effects, but the oil has potential to cause toxic effects.
Skin Toxicity
If you are allergic to plants in the myrtle family--eucalyptus, guava, allspice or clove--you may also be allergic to tea tree oil. The American Cancer Society describes these allergic reactions as ranging from mild contact dermatitis to severe blistering and swelling. If you are prone to these allergies, even a diluted preparation of tea tree oil may cause symptoms. Tea tree oil applied full strength can promote skin irritation even if you are not allergic to the oil. The American Cancer Society explains that as it ages, or with improper storage, tea tree oil breaks down into components that tend to induce irritation or allergic reactions. Choose fresh products that have been stored away from heat, light and air, and use a preparation that contains no more than 10 percent tea tree oil to minimize skin toxicity. As recommended by The Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University, perform a skin patch test before use.
Oral Toxicity
The Mayo Clinic states that when ingested, tea tree oil may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, confusion, drowsiness, lethargy, uncoordinated walking, depressed immune function and coma. While the Mayo Clinic cites some evidence that tea tree oil used as a mouthwash may alleviate symptoms of gingivitis or thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth, it cautions that swallowing any amount of tea tree oil is toxic. Exercise discretion when using any mouthwash containing tea tree oil to avoid oral toxicity. The American Cancer Society cautions that tea tree oil preparations should not be used in children or if you are a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia, a swelling of breast tissue in boys or men, generally is not a serious physical condition but can be psychologically difficult to deal with, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the February 1, 2007, volume of the "New England Journal of Medicine," Dr. Derek Henley links the topical application of products containing tea tree and lavender oils to the development of gynecomastia in prepubescent boys. He states that these two oils show estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity and may have caused the breast swelling seen in his young male patients. However, the Fragrance Materials Association of the United States questions Henley's findings and suggests further study to determine a cause and effect relationship.
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