Rosacea, or acne rosacea, affects about one in every 20 Americans, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. While never producing blackheads or whiteheads, the skin disorder appears as red acne-like welts across the nose, chin, forehead or cheeks. Severe cases require antibiotics. Although more scientific analysis is needed to confirm its efficacy, people with mild cases of rosacea may benefit from using tea tree oil. Check with your physician before use.
Identification
The tea tree, a member of the myrtle family, grows to heights of 20 feet. It bears layers of paperlike bark, spikes of white to yellow flowers and narrow leaves that produce medicinal oil. The tree thrives in the swampy northeastern corner of New South Wales, Australia.
History
According to the website SpectrumBotanical.com, tea tree oil was first used by Australian Aborigines to help relieve cuts, bites, burns and a host of other ailments. They later introduced tea tree oil to Captain Cook, who gave the tree its name. In 1925, Australian scientist Arthur Penfold, credited with discovering the oil's medicinal value, showed that tea tree oil is 13 times stronger as an antiseptic than carbolic acid, the standard antiseptic of the time. After Australian World War II soldiers used the oil in wartime first aid kits, other markets around the world took notice of its therapeutic value.
Benefits
According to Steven Foster's book "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine," tea tree oil is known in Australia as "the wonder from down under." Useful for treating an assortment of bacterial and fungal infections, including acne and rosacea, Foster claims tea tree oil is one of the most potent natural antiseptics known. The oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in reducing swelling and redness associated with rosacea. Additionally, Foster reported that a 1990 clinical assessment indicated that tea tree oil has a low incidence of such side effects as skin dryness, itching and scaling.
Usage
Tea tree oil is available in a variety of forms including soap, lotion and body wash. Never take it orally, however, as it may cause nerve damage if ingested. According to Dr. Heather Boon, licensed pharmacist and author of the book "55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs," no authoritative dosage guidelines exist for tea tree oil. To treat rosacea and other skin issues, however, Boon notes that tea tree oil preparations used in clinical trials usually range from 5 percent to 15 percent dilution.
Side Effects
Do not use tea tree oil near your eyes, nose or mouth, as it may cause burning. Topical use may cause allergic reactions such as skin rash and itching. The University of Michigan Health System advises patients to use caution in applying the oil to large areas of broken skin or rashes not due to fungus.
References
- American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Rosacea
- "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine"; Steven Foster; 2008
- Spectrum Botanical: Tea Tree Oil History
- "55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs"; Heather Boon, BSc.Phm., Ph.D.; 2009
- University of Michigan Health System: Tea Tree
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