Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder in which skin cells multiply too rapidly, causing overproduction of new skin and formation of thick plaques or scales that may itch or be painful. Psoriasis affects over 7 million Americans or about 2 percent of the population, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Tea tree oil is a traditional remedy that may help relieve symptoms of psoriasis when applied topically. Discuss its use with your doctor before adding it to your skin care regimen.
Causes and Symptoms
The most likely cause of psoriasis is a malfunction on the immune system, which responds to skin cells as if they were foreign substances. Immune cells attack the cells, causing them to divide rapidly and move quickly to the surface of the skin. The cells build up and form thick plaques or scales that are unable to slough off. Symptoms of psoriasis include red skin spots with silver-colored scales that are very dry and itchy. Involved areas of skin may crack and bleed, causing discomfort and chronic pain. Nails may also be affected in some people, becoming thickened, ridged or pitted.
Tea Tree Oil
The tea tree, or Malaleuca alternifolia, is a native tree of Australia and New Zealand. Its leaves contain an oil that has been used by Native Australians for thousands of years to fight infections and treat skin disorders. The leaves are steam-distilled to produce a clear oil that is applied topically to the skin. The oil contains many different components, including several that have been studied extensively. Three of these, terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol and alpha-pinene, are natural chemicals with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that may be useful in treating psoriasis.
Benefit for Psoriasis
The active components in tea tree oil have properties that may help relieve your symptoms if you have psoriasis. One ingredient, terpinen-4-ol, suppresses activity of immune cells that cause inflammation. In a study published in the "British Journal of Dermatology" in 2002, subjects who were treated with tea tree oil displayed a lessened inflammatory response to histamine, an inflammatory compound, compared to subjects who were treated with a placebo. Several other components of the oil are anti-microbial agents, suppressing growth of bacteria and fungi that may cause complicating infections in skin areas with psoriatic lesions.
Recommendations and Precautions
Tea tree oil is available at most pharmacies and health food stores, either as a pure oil or as an additive in soaps, lotion and other skin products. The usual content of oil in these products is 5 to 10 percent. Only use tea tree oil topically and do not ingest it. The oil is highly toxic when taken internally. Tea tree oil is generally considered safe when used externally, although it may cause skin irritation if you are sensitive to the plant. Do not use the oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor to discuss whether using tea tree oil is advisable for your situation.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Psoriasis
- National Psoriasis Foundation: About Psoriasis - Statistics
- TheLinus Pauling Institute: Tea Trees and Their Therapeutic Properties; A. Carr, Ph.D.; 1998
- "British Journal of Dermatology"; K. Koh et al.; Tea Tree Oil Reduces Histamine-Induced Skin Inflammation; 2002
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Tea Tree Oil
- SkinTreat.net: About Tea Tree Oil
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