Psoriasis, a common inflammatory skin disease, can range in its severity from mild to disabling. Several pharmaceutical and naturopathic treatments effectively reduce the incidence and severity of psoriasis outbreaks. Although the fragrant plant extract known as tea tree oil has been used extensively to treat skin conditions, its safety and efficacy for people with psoriasis remains undetermined.
Alleged Benefits
According to the National Institutes of Health, tea tree oil may offer several benefits to people suffering from skin diseases. The organization regards the product as a "possibly effective" treatment for nail fungus, athlete's foot and acne, while acknowledging its potential as a treatment for cold sores, skin allergies, ring worm and skin infections. The National Psoriasis Foundation lists tea tree among plausible naturopathic treatments for psoriasis but reports that no studies or clinical case reports exist to prove or refute its effectiveness.
Evidence
No major medical institutions support the use of tea tree oil in the treatment of psoriasis. No studies published in reputable scientific journals have evaluated its potential as a treatment for the disease. For this reason, there is no clear consensus about whether tea tree oil is harmful or helpful to those suffering from psoriasis and related complications. Only folk wisdom, theory and tradition support tea tree oil's use for psoriasis patients.
Related Treatments
Although tea tree oil originates in Australia rather than any region of ancient China, the National Psoriasis Foundation classifies tea tree oil as a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments for psoriasis. Other topical herbal treatments used in modern TCM include aloe, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, emu oil and evening primrose oil. Of these, the NPF regards aloe and cayenne as likely effective. Alternative health care providers may combine tea tree with any of these formulas, often using using them in conjunction with changes in diet and lifestyle.
Potential Dangers
Tea tree oil is generally associated with few side effects, and no case reports exist documenting an increased or decreased risk of side effects in psoriasis patients. The National Institutes of Health regards topical tea tree oil as "likely safe" but reports that skin irritation, swelling, dryness, itching and burning sensations are among the most common side effects. Because these symptoms are already common among people with psoriasis, it is possible that tea tree may augment these effects. As a precaution, people with psoriasis should use tea tree and other botanical products only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
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