Both Polysporin and tea tree oil are topical remedies typically used for their antibacterial properties. You might use either remedy to prevent or treat infections in skin abrasions, but you shouldn't use the two remedies together unless instructed to do so by a physician. Consult your doctor before using Polysporin or tea tree oil to discuss the potential side effects and proper application.
Descriptions
Polysporin is the brand name for an over-the-counter product containing the medications bacitracin and polymyxin B, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Polysporin is most commonly used as a topical antibiotic. Tea tree oil is an herbal remedy derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Traditionally, Aboriginal tribes in Australia used tea tree oil to heal cuts and wounds, as well as to prevent or treat skin infections.
Uses
You might use Polysporin and tea tree oil to assist in wound healing and infections of skin abrasions. Polysporin and tea tree oil have antibacterial properties that can prevent or treat infections of the skin. Talk with your doctor before using Polysporin or tea tree oil to treat or prevent any health problem, including skin abrasions.
Application
Polysporin is available in the form of antibacterial topical powders and ointments for treating skin abrasions, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Tea tree oil is also applied topically, but as an oil in either 70 percent or 100 percent concentrations, says the University of Michigan Health System. Ask your doctor about the correct application of tea tree oil or Polysporin before using either remedy.
Considerations
Although Polysporin is a commonly used over-the-counter topical medication, tea tree oil isn't as widely used. Some scientific evidence does support tea tree oil's benefits, though. Studies have found that tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that might help kill micro-organisms that are even resistant to conventional antibiotics for infections in abrasions, according to a 1993 issue of "Applied Microbiology" and a 1995 issue of the "Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy." A 2000 clinical trial published in the "Journal of Hospital Infection" also discovered that using a weak tea tree oil ointment and body wash was more effective than conventional medications in inhibiting the growth of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, says the University of Michigan Health System. A study reported in the "British Journal of Dermatology" in 2002 concluded that tea tree oil suppressed histamine-related inflammation in skin abrasions, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Warnings
Topical applications of tea tree oil can cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Don't ingest tea tree oil or apply it over large areas. Tea tree oil can burn the eyes, mouth and nose, as well as have estrogen-like effects that have caused cases of breast enlargement in men called gynecomastia, warns the University of Michigan Health System. You should use Polysporin for only bacterial infections in skin abrasions.
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